impugn

[ im-pyoon ]
/ ɪmˈpyun /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR impugn ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

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

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 FROM impugn

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impugn

impugn impute

Words nearby impugn

imprudent, impsonite, impudence, impudent, impudicity, impugn, impuissant, impulse, impulse buying, impulse control disorder, impulse turbine

Words related to impugn

assail, contravene, tar, knock, deny, blast, traduce, contradict, question, traverse, cross, resist, attack, break, oppose, negative, smear, negate, trash, slam

Example sentences from the Web for impugn

British Dictionary definitions for impugn

impugn
/ (ɪmˈpjuːn) /

verb

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

Derived forms of impugn

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

Word Origin for impugn

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