impugn
- 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.
Origin of impugn
Synonyms for impugn
Related Words for impugning
assail, contravene, tar, knock, deny, blast, traduce, contradict, question, traverse, cross, resist, attack, break, oppose, negative, smear, negate, trash, slamExamples from the Web for impugning
Contemporary Examples of impugning
She “was better at impugning our choices…than identifying any feasible alternatives.”
The Malaysian authorities are doing the opposite: impugning the aircrew without any tangible evidence.
Impugning their patriotism to the target audience is so easy it can hardly even be called work.
Historical Examples of impugning
It is more effective than impugning the virtue of his female ancestors.
The Voice of the PackEdison Marshall
Mr. Seward was not in the habit of impugning the courage of any man.
Presidential Candidates:D. W. Bartlett
Let me say again that I am not impugning the motives of the men in Wall Street.
The New FreedomWoodrow Wilson
It was like impugning their whole policy and arraigning their wisdom.
The Personal Life Of David LivingstoneWilliam Garden Blaikie
Liberals can do something better than predicting failure and impugning motives.
China, Japan and the U.S.A.John Dewey
impugn
- (tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
Word Origin for impugn
Word Origin and History for impugning
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.