impugn
/ɪmˈpjuːn
/verb [with object]
Dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of (a statement or motive); call into question: the father does not impugn her capacity as a good mother...
- They have also attacked the professor personally by impugning his motives and accusing him of opportunism.
- Now actually look at what we say, rather than impugning our motives.
- I really don't have a problem with the substance of his rejoinder, and I certainly did not mean to impugn his motives in my original post.
Synonyms
call into question, challenge, question, dispute, query, take issue with, impeach
Derivatives
impugnable
/ adjective ...- I am, therefore, of the clear view that as a matter of English law, if unaffected by international considerations, the justices' decision is not impugnable as a matter of law in this court.
- The plaintiff does not submit that the conduct is impugnable otherwise than under the Ontario Human Rights Act.
impugnment
/ nounOrigin
Late Middle English (also in the sense 'assault, attack physically'): from Latin impugnare 'assail', from in- 'towards' + pugnare 'fight'.