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impregnable

 - 5 dictionary results

im⋅preg⋅na⋅ble

1  [im-preg-nuh-buhl]
Use impregnable in a Sentence
–adjective
1. strong enough to resist or withstand attack; not to be taken by force, unconquerable: an impregnable fort.
2. not to be overcome or overthrown: an impregnable argument.
Origin:
1400–50; late ME impregnable, imprenable < MF, equiv. to im- im- 2 + prenable pregnable

Related forms:
im⋅preg⋅na⋅bil⋅i⋅ty, im⋅preg⋅na⋅ble⋅ness, noun
im⋅preg⋅na⋅bly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. invulnerable. 1, 2. See invincible. 2. unassailable.

Antonyms:
1. vulnerable.

im⋅preg⋅na⋅ble

2  [im-preg-nuh-buhl]
–adjective
susceptible to impregnation, as an egg.
Origin:
impregn(ate) + -able
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To impregnable
im·preg·na·ble 1   (ĭm-prěg'nə-bəl)   
adj.  

  1. Impossible to capture or enter by force: an impregnable fortress.

  2. Difficult or impossible to attack, challenge, or refute with success: an impregnable argument.


[Middle English imprenable, from Old French : in-, not (from Latin in-; see in-1) + prenable, pregnauble, pregnable; see pregnable.]
im·preg'na·bly adv.
im·preg·na·ble 2   (ĭm-prěg'nə-bəl)   
adj.  Capable of being impregnated.

[impregn(ate) + -able.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

impregnable 
1430, imprenable, from M.Fr. imprenable, from O.Fr. in- "not" + prenable "assailable, vulnerable," from stem of prendre "to take, grasp," from L. prehendere (see prehensile). With intrusive -g- 16c., on model of deign, reign, etc.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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