impugn
[im-pyoon]
||
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.
RELATED CONTENT
RELATED WORDS
assail, contravene, tar, knock, deny, blast, traduce, contradict, question, traverse, cross, resist, attack, break, oppose, negative, smear, negate, trash, slam
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples 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
verb
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
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impugn
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper