Impregnable
Origin 1
From Middle French imprenable, im- ("not"), + prendre ("to take") +-able ("able to be the object of an action"). Intrusive g added 16c on model of deign, reign.
Full definition of impregnable
Adjective
impregnable
- (of a fortress, wall, etc., also used figuratively) Too strong to be penetrated.
- SouthThe man's affection remains wholly unconcerned and impregnable.
- 2011, October 2, Jonathan Jurejko, Bolton 1 - 5 Chelsea, And with Bolton suffering a wretched run of five straight home defeats - their worst run in 109 years - Chelsea fans would have been forgiven for expecting a comfortable win.
But surely they did not anticipate the ease with which their team raced into an almost impregnable half-time lead.
Origin 2
From impregnate + -able, ultimately from Latin impraegnatus ("made pregnant").
Adjective
impregnable
- Capable of being impregnated.Following treatment, twenty percent of previously infertile females were impregnable.Application of the compound rendered the non-porous surface impregnable.