With the presidential race already heating up this far in advance, I can already smell the putrid interaction between candidates and parties…and it reminds me of this word.

impugn (im·pugn): / im PYOON /
transitive verb

(1) to criticize, cast doubt on, or challenge as false; to oppose or attack as lacking integrity
(2) to assail or attack a person by arguments or words; to vilify (archaic)
(3) to physically assault or attack someone (obsolete)

[From Latin impugnare meaning “to attack, fight against,” from pugnare meaning “to fight.”]

Usage: The problem with religious people discussing their views with those who disagree is that you can’t impugn dogma without most of its followers taking it as a personal attack.