impugn

[ im-pyoon ]
See synonyms for: impugnimpugnedimpugnableimpugnment on Thesaurus.com

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.

  1. Obsolete. to attack (a person) physically.

Origin of impugn

1
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

Other 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

Words Nearby impugn

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How to use impugn in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for impugn

impugn

/ (ɪmˈpjuːn) /


verb
  1. (tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize

Origin of impugn

1
C14: from Old French impugner, from Latin impugnāre to fight against, attack, from im- + pugnāre to fight

Derived forms of impugn

  • impugnable, adjective
  • impugnation (ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən) or impugnment, noun
  • impugner, noun

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