impugn
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.
Origin of impugn
1Other words for impugn
Other words from impugn
- im·pugn·a·ble, adjective
- im·pugn·a·bil·i·ty, noun
- im·pugn·er, noun
- im·pugn·ment, noun
- un·im·pugn·a·ble, adjective
- un·im·pugned, adjective
Words that may be confused with impugn
- impugn , impute
Words Nearby impugn
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use impugn in a sentence
It’s more work for you, of course, but the goal is to ensure your behavior is above reproach while giving Wanda space to prove —or impugn — herself.
I can’t trust my new co-worker, and I have a list of reasons. How do I tell management? | Karla Miller | February 11, 2021 | Washington Post“I think the jury will see it as a desperate attempt to try and impugn his character,” Slotnick says.
The Secret Service is personal to the president, and its infractions impugn that trust.
Secret Service’s Colombian-Prostitute Scandal Breaks Americans’ Trust | Eleanor Clift | April 20, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTDefense lawyers will look for inconsistencies in the same records as they try to impugn her credibility further.
The Evidence That Could Doom DSK | Christopher Dickey, John Solomon | July 26, 2011 | THE DAILY BEASTNeeld admitted that he had no reason to impugn the Major's character.
Tristram of Blent | Anthony Hope
To suppose them to have been otherwise would be to impugn the common sense of our ancestors.
The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce | Ambrose BierceI do not perceive that my associates impugn a single statement of fact contained in my note.
A Report of the Debates and Proceedings in the Secret Sessions of the Conference Convention | Lucius Eugene ChittendenThis practice is of such venerable antiquity, and so universal, that it would be vain to impugn it.
The Physical Life of Woman: | Dr. George H NapheysBut without meaning to impugn his veracity, or to dispute the register, we may say that he has scarcely got anybody to believe it.
British Dictionary definitions for impugn
/ (ɪmˈpjuːn) /
(tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
Origin of impugn
1Derived forms of impugn
- impugnable, adjective
- impugnation (ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən) or impugnment, noun
- impugner, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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