oppugn

verb

op·pugn | \ ə-ˈpyün,

ä-\

oppugned; oppugning; oppugns

Definition of oppugn

transitive verb

1 : to fight against

2 : to call into question

Other Words from oppugn Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about oppugn

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Did You Know?

Oppugn was first recorded in English in the 15th century. It came to Middle English from the Latin verb oppugnare, which in turn derived from the combination of ob-, meaning "against," and pugnare, meaning "to fight." "Pugnare" itself is descended from the same ancient word that gave Latin the word pugnus, meaning "fist." It's no surprise, then, that "oppugn" was adopted into English to refer to fighting against something or someone, either physically (as in "the dictatorship will oppugn all who oppose it") or verbally (as in "oppugn an argument"). Other descendants of "pugnare" in English include the equally aggressive "pugnacious," "impugn," "repugnant," and the rare "inexpugnable" ("incapable of being subdued or overthrown").

Examples of oppugn in a Sentence

had the temerity to oppugn the merits of a study in a discipline that he knows nothing about guardians of liberty who staunchly oppugned tyranny, whether from the right or the left