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impugnare

to contest

verb eem-poo-NYAH-reh Rare

Also means

to grasp

Usage Note

Impugnare takes avere as its auxiliary and has two main senses: (1) to grasp or grip — impugnare la spada ('to grasp the sword'); (2) in legal language, to challenge or contest a decision — impugnare una sentenza ('to contest/appeal a ruling'). The legal meaning is dominant in formal Italian. The noun impugnazione refers to a legal challenge or appeal.

Examples

"L'avvocato ha impugnato la sentenza."

Natural Translation

The lawyer contested the ruling.

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