impugn
English
Verb
(
en verb)
(obsolete) To assault, attack.
To verbally assault, especially to argue against an opinion, motive, or action; to question the truth or validity of.
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, negate
Antonyms
* (to question the validity of) authenticate, endorse, support
Derived terms
* impugnable
* impugner
Related terms
* poniard
* pugilism
* pugnacious
* repugn, repugnant
Anagrams
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