Dictionary.com

impugn

[ im-pyoon ]
/ ɪmˈpyun /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: impugn / impugned / impugnable / impugnment on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

OTHER WORDS FROM impugn

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impugn

impugn , impute
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to impugn

assail, contravene, tar, attack, blast, break, contradict, cross, deny, dispute, gainsay, knock, negate, negative, oppose, question, resist, slam, smear, traduce

How to use impugn in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for impugn

impugn
/ (ɪmˈpjuːn) /
verb
(tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize

Derived forms of impugn

impugnable, 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
FEEDBACK