impugn
[ im-pyoon ]
/ ɪmˈpyun /
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 imputeWords nearby impugn
Example sentences from the Web for impugned
British Dictionary definitions for impugned
impugn
/ (ɪmˈpjuːn) /
verb
(tr)
to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
Derived forms of impugn
impugnable, adjective impugnation (ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən) or impugnment, noun impugner, nounWord Origin for impugn
C14: from Old French
impugner, from Latin
impugnāre to fight against, attack, from
im- +
pugnāre to fight