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.
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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
See more synonyms for impugn on Thesaurus.com1. attack, asperse, malign, criticize, censure.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for impugning
Contemporary Examples
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
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
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Word Origin
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
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Word Origin and History for impugning
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper