impeach

[ im-peech ]

verb (used with object)

1. to accuse (a public official) before an appropriate tribunal of misconduct in office.
2. Chiefly Law. to challenge the credibility of:

   to impeach a witness.

3. to bring an accusation against.
4. to call in question; cast an imputation upon:

   to impeach a person's motives.

   Synonyms: impugn, challenge, question

5. to call to account.

noun

1. Obsolete. impeachment.

impeach

/ ɪmˈpiːtʃ /

verb

1. criminal law to bring a charge or accusation against
2. criminal law to accuse of a crime, esp of treason or some other offence against the state
3. to charge (a public official) with an offence committed in office
4. to challenge or question (a person's honesty, integrity, etc)

Derived Forms

• imˈpeacher, noun

Other Words From

• im·peacher noun
• unim·peached adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of impeach¹

1350–1400; Middle English empechen, enpeshen < Anglo-French empecher < Late Latin impedicāre to fetter, trap, equivalent to Latin im- im- ¹ + pedic ( a ) a fetter (derivative of pēs foot ) + -ā- thematic vowel + -re infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of impeach¹

C14: from Old French empeechier, from Late Latin impedicāre to entangle, catch, from Latin im- (in) + pedica a fetter, from pēs foot

Example Sentences

Valadao was considered a vulnerable Republican because he is one of the few lawmakers still in office who voted to impeach then-President Trump in 2021 and declined to endorse the Republican presidential nominee this election.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier in 2024, she sponsored a resolution to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of the border.

From Salon

Valadao was considered a vulnerable Republican because he is one of the few lawmakers still in office who voted to impeach then-President Trump in 2021 and has declined to endorse the Republican presidential nominee this election.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week, an overwhelming majority of MPs in the National Assembly - the lower house of parliament - voted to impeach him, setting the stage for his two-day trial in the Senate.

From BBC

Salmond was one of 11 MPs who attempted unsuccessfully to impeach Mr Blair.

From BBC

Related Words

• accuse
• arraign
• criticize
• discredit
• indict
• reprimand