oppugn
Americanverb (used with object)
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to assail by criticism, argument, or action.
-
to call in question; dispute.
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of oppugn
1400–50; late Middle English < Latin oppugnāre to oppose, attack, equivalent to op- op- + pugnāre to fight, derivative of pugnus fist; see pugilism
Vocabulary lists containing oppugn
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A skeptic can only doubt, never oppugn the gospel.
From The Christian Foundation, Or, Scientific and Religious Journal, May, 1880 by Aaron Walker
Either, therefore, he who oppugns incorporeal quality seems also to oppugn unqualified matter; or separating the one from the other, he mutually parts them both.
From Complete Works of Plutarch — Volume 3: Essays and Miscellanies by Plutarch
If nothing can oppugn love, 385 And virtue invious ways can prove, What may he not confide to do That brings both love and virtue too?
From Hudibras by Samuel Butler
For, though behind by a cannon or schooner, That nation still is predominant Whose pulse beats quickest in zeal to oppugn or Succour another, in wrong or want, Passing the frontier in love and abhorrence.
From The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume IV by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Say, could not you twins, now, once come forward and speak as petition-masters-general in the halls of the Diet, or, as magistri sententiarum, oppugn one another within the walls of the universities on Commencement days?
From Titan: A Romance v. 1 (of 2) by Jean Paul Friedrich Richter
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