impugn
UK: ɪmˈpjuːn | US: ɪmˈpjuːn
vt. to challenge as false or questionable; to attack the validity or integrity of
The word impugn traces back to Latin impugnare, combining in- (against) and pugnare (to fight). It originally meant "to attack physically" but evolved in English (14th century) to signify verbal or logical attacks—challenging the truth of a statement. The root pugn persists in words like pugnacious (combative) and repugnant (offensive, literally "fighting back").
The lawyer sought to impugn the witness's credibility.
Critics impugned the study's methodology as flawed.
He refused to impugn his colleague's reputation without evidence.
The article impugns the motives behind the policy change.
Her integrity was unfairly impugned during the debate.