Definition

Verb: 1. To oppose, resist, or contend against; to make the subject of dispute or contention. This is a formal and somewhat archaic term meaning to argue against or challenge something, often on principle or through legal means.

Usage

The verb "repugn" is used in formal, legal, or literary contexts to describe active opposition or contradiction. It is not common in everyday speech. * It is typically followed by a direct object (what is being opposed). * It can be used with a preposition like "against" or "to," though the direct object is more standard.

Examples

• The defense attorney will repugn the prosecution's key evidence in court.
• His actions repugn the very principles he claims to uphold.
• The new clause in the contract was repugned by several board members.

Advanced Usage

• To repugn a claim: To formally challenge or dispute a legal claim or assertion.
  • The company's lawyers moved to repugn the plaintiff's claim of negligence.
• In repugnance to: In conflict or contradiction with (a formal, often legal phrase).
  • The local ordinance was found to be in repugnance to state law.

Variants and Related Words

• Repugnance (noun): A feeling of intense disgust or aversion; strong opposition or contradiction.
  • She felt a deep repugnance for the proposal.
• Repugnant (adjective): Extremely distasteful or unacceptable; offensive or contradictory.
  • The idea was repugnant to his moral beliefs.

Synonyms

• Oppose: To be against or resist.
• Contest: To dispute or challenge, especially in a legal context.
• Challenge: To question the truth or validity of.
• Gainsay (formal): To deny or contradict.
• Resist: To withstand the action or effect of.

Antonyms

• Accept: To consent to receive or believe.
• Support: To bear all or part of the weight; to give assistance or approval.
• Agree: To have the same opinion or be in harmony.

Verb

1. to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation
   • They contested the outcome of the race