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definitions

impugn

[im-pyoon]
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verb (used with object)
  1. to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.
  2. Archaic. to assail (a person) by words or arguments; vilify.
  3. Obsolete. to attack (a person) physically.

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
Related formsim·pugn·a·ble, adjectiveim·pugn·a·bil·i·ty, nounim·pugn·er, nounim·pugn·ment, nounun·im·pugn·a·ble, adjectiveun·im·pugned, adjective
Can be confusedimpugn impute

Synonyms for impugn

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1. attack, asperse, malign, criticize, censure.
Dictionary.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, indecisive

Examples 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.

British Dictionary definitions for impugnable

impugn

verb
  1. (tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
Derived Formsimpugnable, adjectiveimpugnation (ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən) or impugnment, nounimpugner, noun

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

v.

"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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper