Verb
/impuɣˈnaɾ/
The verb "impugnar" is used primarily in legal contexts to refer to the act of challenging the validity or legality of a decision, an act, or a claim. In a broader sense, it can also mean to dispute or contest anything in a formal manner. It is frequently used in written contexts, especially in legal documents, academic texts, and formal discussions. However, it may also be used in oral arguments within the legal profession.
El abogado decidió impugnar la decisión del juez.
(The lawyer decided to challenge the judge's decision.)
Los demandantes tienen el derecho de impugnar el contrato.
(The plaintiffs have the right to contest the contract.)
Es fundamental impugnar cualquier evidencia que se considere insuficiente.
(It is essential to dispute any evidence regarded as insufficient.)
While "impugnar" is not notably prevalent in idiomatic expressions, it is often associated with legal terminology and contexts that denote contestation. Here are a few relevant expressions where it can be found:
El abogado intentará impugnar una prueba que considera inadmisible.
(The lawyer will try to challenge a piece of evidence that he deems inadmissible.)
Impugnar la autoridad
(To contest the authority)
Uno no debería impugnar la autoridad sin razones sólidas.
(One should not contest authority without valid reasons.)
Impugnar la decisión
(To contest the decision)
Decidimos impugnar la decisión del tribunal por falta de pruebas.
(We decided to contest the court's decision due to lack of evidence.)
Impugnar la legalidad
(To challenge the legality)
The verb "impugnar" comes from Latin "impugnare," which means "to fight against" or "to attack." The prefix "im-" indicates "against" and "pugnare" relates to "fighting" or "to struggle." This etymology reflects the word's core meaning of contesting or challenging something.
Synonyms: - Desafiar (to challenge) - Contestar (to contest) - Rebatir (to refute)
Antonyms: - Aceptar (to accept) - Aprobar (to approve) - Confirmar (to confirm)