impugn

American

[im-pyoon] / ɪmˈpyun /

verb (used with object)

to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.

Synonyms:

censure, criticize, malign, asperse, attack
Archaic. to assail (a person) by words or arguments; vilify.
Obsolete. to attack (a person) physically.

impugn British

/ ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən, ɪmˈpjuːn /

verb

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

"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

Other Word Forms

impugnability noun
impugnable adjective
impugnation noun
impugner noun
impugnment noun
unimpugnable adjective
unimpugned adjective

Etymology

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; pugnacious

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023