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oppugn

verb
op·​pugn | \ É™-ˈpyün How to pronounce oppugn (audio) , 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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Other Words from oppugn

oppugner noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for oppugn

Synonyms

challenge, contest, dispute, impeach, query, question

Antonyms

accept, believe, embrace, swallow

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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

First Known Use of oppugn

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for oppugn

Middle English, from Latin oppugnare, from ob- against + pugnare to fight — more at ob-, pungent

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More from Merriam-Webster on oppugn

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with oppugn

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for oppugn

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