impugn

/ɪmˈpʌɡn/

to challenge or question the validity or truth of something

The defense attorney sought to impugn the credibility of the witness.

The defense attorney tried to challenge the witness's credibility.

Law

formal

To call into question the truth, validity, or integrity of something or someone, often in a legal context.

The evidence was impugned by the opposing counsel.

The opposing counsel questioned the validity of the evidence.

Commonly used in legal contexts to challenge the credibility of witnesses, evidence, or arguments.

Collocations

impugn someone's credibilityto question someone's trustworthinessimpugn the evidenceto challenge the validity of the evidence

This word is often used in courtrooms to describe challenging evidence or witnesses.

Use 'impugn' in formal or legal writing, not in everyday conversation.

From Latin 'impugnare', meaning 'to attack' or 'assail', from 'in-' (against) + 'pugnare' (to fight).

Primarily used in formal or legal contexts. Avoid in casual conversation.

im-

against

prefix

-pugn

to fight

root

English Dictionary