impugn
[im-pyoon]
- to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.
- Archaic. to assail (a person) by words or arguments; vilify.
- Obsolete. to attack (a person) physically.
Show More
Origin of impugn
1325–75; Middle English impugnen < Middle French impugner < Latin impugnāre to attack, equivalent to im- im-1 + pugnāre to fight, derivative of pugnus fist; see pugnacious
Synonyms for impugn
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for impugnable
hazardous, dangerous, uncertain, unhealthy, touchy, unsettled, insecure, shaky, risky, unreliable, rocky, unstable, delicate, ticklish, slippery, unsteady, problematic, perilous, dicey, indecisiveExamples from the Web for impugnable
Historical Examples of impugnable
The only impugnable matter in the deed lies, as has been said, in the number of cardinals so created at a batch.
The Life of Cesare BorgiaRaphael Sabatini
impugn
- (tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
Show More
Word Origin for impugn
C14: from Old French impugner, from Latin impugnāre to fight against, attack, from im- + pugnāre to fight
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for impugnable
impugn
"attack by argument," late 14c., from Old French impugner, from Latin impugnare "to assault, to attack," from assimilated form of in- "into, in, on, upon" (see in- (2)) + pugnare "to fight" (see pugnacious). Related: Impugned; impugning.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper