English vocabulary · C2
Impugn
/ɪmˈpjuːn/ · v.
To impugn someone's honesty is to say they may not tell the truth. Your words can make other people trust that person less.
Watch the Impugn lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- Don't impugn my win; I played fair.
- She impugned his work without proof.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- im — against (from Latin)
- pugn — fight (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- CHALLENGE — say something may fail (Ask for proof)
- DISPUTE — argue against a claim (Say it is wrong)
- QUESTION — ask if something is true (Show doubt)
Words with the same root
pugn — fight
- repugnant — causing strong dislike
- pugnacious — ready to fight
Lesson notes
To impugn someone's honesty is to say they may not tell the truth. Your words can make other people trust that person less.
Related: challenge, dispute, question. Use impugn when doubting someone's honesty.
Don't impugn my win; I played fair. She impugned his work without proof.
From Latin. Im- means against. Pugn- means fight. Fight against trust with words: you impugn someone's work.