impugn

IPA/ɪmˈpjuːn/
KK[ˌɪmpjˈun]IPA/ɪmˈpjuːn/

impugn — verb

  • impugnpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • impugnshe / she / it
  • impugnedpast simple
  • impugning-ing form

1. to attack or question someone's honesty, integrity, or value by criticizing them

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to attack or question someone's honesty, integrity, or value by criticizing them, especially in public

例句

Several journalists publicly impugned the senator's motives during the televised hearing.

impugn + [someone's] motives — transitive pattern

Wei never meant to impugn his colleague's integrity when he questioned the budget figures.

同義詞
  • challenge

    broader meaning; can target facts, decisions, or abilities rather than character

  • question

    milder tone; may express uncertainty rather than active attack

  • attack

    more aggressive; can include physical or verbal assault beyond character criticism

  • dispute

    focuses on factual or legal claims rather than moral character

反義詞
  • endorse

    to publicly support or approve of someone's character or actions

  • defend

    to protect someone from criticism or attack

文法句型

impugn + noun phrase (someone's character, integrity, motives, reputation)

用法筆記

Typically used in formal writing or legal discourse. The direct object of 'impugn' is almost always an abstract noun referring to someone's character, credibility, integrity, motives, or reputation — not a person or concrete object.

常見錯誤

❌The lawyer impugned the document.
✅The lawyer impugned the credibility of the document's author.
💡'Impugn' targets a person's character or reputation, not an inanimate object.