impeach
impeach Lexical Profile
impeach Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To formally charge a holder of public office with misconduct or a crime before a competent tribunal.
"The legislature voted to impeach the governor following the corruption investigation."
To call into question or cast doubt upon the integrity, validity, or credibility of someone or something (especially a witness or testimony in law).
"The defense attorney sought to impeach the credibility of the prosecution's key witness."
Word Nuance & Usage
In political usage, 'impeach' means to formally charge an official with misconduct, not to remove them from office; removal only occurs if the official is subsequently convicted.
• Rhymes for impeach
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English empechen, borrowed from Anglo-Norman empecher ('to impede, accuse'), from Late Latin impedicare ('to fetter, entangle'), derived from Latin pedica ('shackle, snare'), from pes ('foot').