impeachment
impeachment Lexical Profile
impeachment Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The formal process by which a legislative body levels charges of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors against a high-ranking public official.
"The committee voted to draft articles of impeachment after months of public hearings."
The act of calling into question or challenging the credibility, integrity, or validity of someone or something, especially a witness in a court of law.
"The defense attorney used the prior inconsistent statement for the impeachment of the prosecution's key witness."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American constitutional law, impeachment refers strictly to the formal bringing of charges by the House of Representatives, not the actual removal of an official from office, which requires a subsequent conviction by the Senate.
• Rhymes for impeachment
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Anglo-French 'empeschement' (hindrance or accusation), from Late Latin 'impedicare' (to fetter or catch), derived from Latin 'pes' (foot).