Impugn

To impugn means to challenge the truth, validity, or honesty of something, typically a statement or motive. It involves expressing doubts about its integrity and reliability, often through direct criticism or accusation. The act of impugning usually suggests questioning the trustworthiness of the subject and potentially undermining its reputation or credibility. It often implies an attempt to discredit or invalidate something by raising doubts or objections. The word implies a formal and reasoned approach of attack, rather than a quick, visceral one. A successful impugning could lead to re-evaluation or rejection of the subject.

Impugn meaning with examples

• The lawyer sought to impugn the witness's testimony by highlighting inconsistencies in their previous statements. He meticulously pointed out discrepancies, aiming to cast doubt on the witness's reliability. This tactic was crucial to his client's defence, hoping to show the court the witness was fabricating details. His cross-examination was a focused effort to expose perceived inaccuracies and damage the prosecution's case.
• The political commentator attempted to impugn the candidate's policy proposals, arguing they were unrealistic and economically unsustainable. He analysed the budget projections, demonstrating potential shortfalls. His goal was to sway public opinion by exposing the perceived weaknesses of the plans and offer alternative viewpoints, presenting a persuasive argument. This effort targeted the plan's validity.
• During the debate, the journalist used leaked documents to impugn the CEO's financial dealings. They were attempting to discredit the CEO by suggesting a pattern of deceptive practices. This raised questions about the company's ethical standards and governance. The evidence, if proven legitimate, could have severe repercussions for the CEO's reputation and the company's market value.
• Critics tried to impugn the scientific study's methodology, pointing out flaws in the data collection process. They claimed biases and limitations compromised the conclusions of the experiment. They argued that these flaws significantly undermined the study's findings, challenging the study's acceptance in the scientific community. This raised significant debate about validity and reliability.