impugn

im·pugn

verb \im-ˈpyün\

Definition of IMPUGN

transitive verb

1

: to assail by words or arguments : oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity <impugned the defendant's character>

2

obsolete a : assail b : resist

— im·pugn·able \-ˈpyü-nə-bəl\ adjective

— im·pugn·er \-nər\ noun

Examples of IMPUGN

1. He impugned his rival's character.
2. Her motives have been scrutinized and impugned.

Origin of IMPUGN

Middle English, from Anglo-French empugner, from Latin inpugnare, from in- + pugnare to fight — more at pungent

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with IMPUGN

aswoon, attune, baboon, balloon, bassoon, blue moon, buffoon, Calhoun, Cancún, cardoon, cartoon, cocoon, commune, doubloon, dragoon, festoon, fine-tune, forenoon, full moon, gaboon, gadroon, galloon, Gudrun, half-moon, harpoon, high noon, immune, jargoon, jejune, Kowloon, Kunlun, lagoon, lampoon, lardoon, Maine coon, maroon, monsoon, Neptune, new moon, oppugn, Pashtun, patroon, platoon, poltroon, pontoon, premune, puccoon, quadroon, ratoon, repugn, rough-hewn, saloon, Sassoon, shalloon, soupspoon, spittoon, spontoon, teaspoon, tribune, triune, tuchun, tycoon, typhoon, untune, Walloon