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impugn

 - 3 dictionary results

im⋅pugn

  [im-pyoon]
Use impugn in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.
2. Archaic. to assail (a person) by words or arguments; vilify.
3. Obsolete. to attack (a person) physically.
Origin:
1325–75; ME impugnen < MF impugner < L impugnāre to attack, equiv. to im- im- 1 + pugnāre to fight, deriv. of pugnus fist; see pugnacious

Related forms:
im⋅pugn⋅a⋅ble, adjective
im⋅pugn⋅a⋅bil⋅i⋅ty, noun
im⋅pugn⋅er, noun
im⋅pugn⋅ment, noun

Synonyms:
1. attack, asperse, malign, criticize, censure.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To impugn
im·pugn   (ĭm-pyōōn')   
tr.v.   im·pugned, im·pugn·ing, im·pugns
To attack as false or questionable; challenge in argument: impugn a political opponent's record.

[Middle English impugnen, from Old French impugner, from Latin impugnāre : in-, against; see in-2 + pugnāre, to fight; see peuk- in Indo-European roots.]
im·pugn'a·ble adj., im·pugn'er n.
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

impugn 
1362, from O.Fr. impugner, from L. impugnare "to assault, to attack," from in- "upon" + pugnare "to fight" (see pugnacious).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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