IMPREGNABLE

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does impregnable mean? 

• IMPREGNABLE (adjective)
  The adjective IMPREGNABLE has 3 senses:

1. immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with

2. capable of conceiving

3. incapable of being overcome, challenged or refuted

  Familiarity information: IMPREGNABLE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IMPREGNABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with

Synonyms:

impregnable; inviolable; secure; strong; unassailable; unattackable

Context example:

a secure telephone connection

Similar:

invulnerable (immune to attack; impregnable)

Derivation:

impregnability (having the strength to withstand attack)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Capable of conceiving

Synonyms:

conceptive; impregnable

Similar:

fertile (capable of reproducing)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Incapable of being overcome, challenged or refuted

Synonyms:

impregnable; inexpugnable

Context example:

impregnable self-confidence

Similar:

unconquerable (not capable of being conquered or vanquished or overcome)

 Context examples 

Slowly, cautiously, it was unrolling its ball of impregnable armour.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

That night (our third in Maple White Land) we had an experience which left a fearful impression upon our minds, and made us thankful that Lord John had worked so hard in making our retreat impregnable.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

There she was impregnable.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

The castle was built on the corner of a great rock, so that on three sides it was quite impregnable, and great windows were placed here where sling, or bow, or culverin could not reach, and consequently light and comfort, impossible to a position which had to be guarded, were secured.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)