Impugn
To dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of a claim, statement, or someone's motives; to challenge or cast doubt on.
verbImpugn
To dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of a claim, statement, or someone's motives; to challenge or cast doubt on.
verbImagine This
Imagine a courtroom where a lawyer sharply questions a witness, pointing to inconsistencies and saying, 'I impugn the witness's credibility.' The crowd leans forward as the gavel signals tension.
Sounds Like
im-PYOO-n
Looks Like
Contains the root 'pugn' (fight) and the prefix 'im' (in/against); visually hints at a fight against a claim.
Remember This
Impugn is about questioning or doubting the truth or integrity of something, not merely disagreeing with it. Common objects include motives, credibility, or claims.
Other Forms
Connect With
dispute, doubt, challenge, question, refute
Note
Do not confuse with impute (to attribute something). Impugn focuses on doubt or challenge to truth or integrity; it often follows with evidence or argument. Common collocations: impugn the motives, impugn the reliability, impugn the validity.