Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

impugn

/ɪmˈpjuːn/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.11 in modern English

Syllables: im-pugn
IPA: /ɪmˈpjuːn/

11

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To assault, attack.

Obsolete; Transitive verb

verb

To verbally assault, especially to argue against an opinion, motive, or action; to question the truth or validity of; cast doubt on.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"For quotations using this term, see Citations:impugn."
"[The fact] that Americans’ trust in government is at historic lows […] makes it easier for politicians to impugn the system – courts, parties, and institutions."

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French impugner, from Latin impugnō, from im- + pugnō (“fight”), from pugnus (“fist”), as in English pugilism (“fighting with fists, boxing”).

Origin

Source language: Middle French

Word Breakdown

Root: *pewǵ-, impugner, impugnō

Usage

Inflected Forms

impugns (present, singular) impugning (participle, present) impugned (participle, past) impugned (past)

Derived Forms

impugnable impugnation impugner impugnment unimpugned

Synonyms

call into question challenge contest contradict deny disavow dispute oppugn negate question

Homonyms

impune

Antonyms

authenticate endorse support

Rhymes With

soon june afternoon moon tune immune noon cartoon balloon spoon typhoon platoon

Questions

How do you pronounce impugn?: The recorded pronunciation is /ɪmˈpjuːn/.
What does impugn mean?: To assault, attack.
Where does impugn come from?: It is traced to Middle French.

How to pronounce impugn

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