impugn

verb

Etymology: Borrowed from Middle French impugner, from Latin impugnō, from im- + pugnō (“fight”), from pugnus (“fist”), as in English pugilism (“fighting with fists, boxing”).

1. To assault, attack.
2. To verbally assault, especially to argue against an opinion, motive, or action; to question the truth or validity of; cast doubt on.

   “For quotations using this term, see Citations:impugn.”

   “[The fact] that Americans’ trust in government is at historic lows […] makes it easier for politicians to impugn the system – courts, parties, and institutions.”