When you hear 'impugn' are you hearing English or Latin?

'Impugn' is a word borrowed from Latin 'in-pugnare'. The word entered the English language some time around the 14th century.

impugn [verb] [14th century]

• to assail by words or arguments
• oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity
• assail
• resist

Meaning: to assail by words or arguments :oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity impugn ed the defendant's character; assail; resist.

Etymology: Middle English; from Anglo-French empugner; from Latin inpugnare; from in- + pugnare to fight pungent.

Topics: Society:Culture.

Origin: From French to Latin to English.

note: To challenge or attack as false or cast doubt upon (a person's motives character or statements). Etymology: Late 14th century from Old French impugner (14th c.) from Latin impugnare (to fight against/assault/ attack). Root: Formed by the assimilation of in- (into/in/upon) + pugnare (to fight) which itself comes from pugnus (a fist).

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