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"Impugnar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to challenge", and "desafiar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to challenge". Learn more about the difference between "impugnar" and "desafiar" below.
impugnar(
eem
-
poog
-
nahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to challenge
El abogado decidió impugnar la decisión del jurado si esta era negativa.The lawyer decided to challenge the jury's decision if it were to be negative.
b. to contest
El abogado del acusado impugnó el veredicto con nueva evidencia.The defendant's attorney contested the verdict with new evidence.
c. to impugn
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
El testimonio adverso del testigo fue suficiente para impugnar la inocencia de la acusada.The adverse testimony of the witness was enough to impugn the defendant's innocence.
a. to refute
Helene impugnó la versión de su vecino acerca de la supuesta fiesta escandalosa de la noche anterior.Helene refuted her neighbor's version of the alleged scandalous party held the previous night.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
desafiar(
deh
-
sah
-
fyahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to challenge
Mi padrastro me desafió a un juego de ajedrez.My stepfather challenged me to a game of chess.
b. to dare
Te desafío a ir al centro comercial y no comprar nada.I dare you to go to the mall and not buy anything.
a. to defy
Desafió a su papá, y fue a una universidad muy lejos de casa.She defied her father and attended a college far away from home.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.