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impugn

Verb

IPA /ɪmˈpjuːn/

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Meaning in plain English

To question or challenge the honesty, validity or correctness of something.

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Pronunciation

impugn/ɪmˈpjuːn/

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A witness gives an account
A lawyer challenges the witness's honesty
The person's integrity is questioned

To impugn someone's honesty is to challenge or cast doubt on it.

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Examples in context

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He did not want to impugn his friend's motives without evidence.
The reviewer questioned the method without impugning the researcher's integrity.

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He did not want to ________ his friend's motives without evidence.

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impugn — To question or challenge the honesty, validity or correctness of something.

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To question or challenge the honesty, validity or correctness of something.

Compare: He did not want to impugn his friend's motives without evidence.

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Word origin

From Latin impugnare, meaning to attack, related to pugnare, to fight.

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Impugn commonly appears with motives, integrity, honesty and credibility.

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