Impugn vs Impunity - What's the difference?
impugn | impunity |
(obsolete) To assault, attack.
To verbally assault, especially to argue against an opinion, motive, or action; to question the truth or validity of.
(countable, legal) Exemption from punishment.
(uncountable) Freedom from punishment or retribution; security from any reprisal or injurious consequences of an action, behaviour etc.
* 1846 , :
* 1994 , Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom , Abacus 2010, p. 495:
As a verb impugn
is (obsolete) to assault, attack.As a noun impunity is
(countable|legal) exemption from punishment.impugn
English
Verb
(en verb)Quotations
{{timeline, 1800s=1859 1864 1872 1889, 1900s=1922}} * 1859 — *: Let the opinions impugned be the belief in a God and in a future state, or any of the commonly received doctrines of morality. * 1864 — *: There have been much impugning of motives and much heated controversy as to the proper means and best mode of advancing the Union cause. * 1872 — *: At home, at a period of immense prosperity, with a people contented and naturally loyal, we find to our surprise the most extravagant doctrines professed and the fundamental principles of our most valuable institutions impugned , and that too by persons of some authority. * 1889 — , ch. xxv *: It is a hardy question, fair sir and Boss, since it doth go far to impugn the wisdom of even our holy Mother Church herself. * 1922 — , ch. 21 *: He is not dead. When he revives he will return to his quarters with a fine tale of his bravery and there will be none to impugn his boasts.Synonyms
* (to question the validity of) call into question, challenge, contest, contradict, deny, disavow, dispute, oppugn, negateAntonyms
* (to question the validity of) authenticate, endorse, supportDerived terms
* impugnable * impugnerAnagrams
*impunity
English
Noun
- I must not only punish but punish with impunity . A wrong is undressed when retribution overtakes its redresser.
- The remoteness of the prison made the authorities feel they could ignore us with impunity .