ə̇mˈpyün transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English impugnen, impungnen, from Middle French impugner, from Latin impugnare, from in- in- (II) + pugnare to fight — more at pugnacious
1. obsolete
a. : to assail physically : fight
b. : oppose , resist
2. : to assail by words or arguments : call into question : make insinuations against : gainsay
impugn one's honesty
impugn one's claim to property
frequent recourse to sword or pistol, whenever honor was impugned — American Guide Series: Louisiana
Synonyms: see deny