First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1impeach
verb im·peach \im-ˈpēch\
: to charge (a public official) with a crime done while in office
: to cause doubts about the truthfulness of (a witness, testimony, etc.)
Full Definition of IMPEACH
transitive verb
1
a : to bring an accusation against b : to charge with a crime or misdemeanor; specifically : to charge (a public official) before a competent tribunal with misconduct in office c : to remove from office especially for misconduct
2
: to cast doubt on; especially : to challenge the credibility or validity of <impeach the testimony of a witness>
— im·peach·able \-ˈpē-chə-bəl\ adjective
— im·peach·ment \-ˈpēch-mənt\ noun
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Origin of IMPEACH
Middle English empechen, from Anglo-French empecher, enpechier to ensnare, impede, prosecute, from Late Latin impedicare to fetter, from Latin in- + pedica fetter, from ped-, pes foot — more at foot
Related to IMPEACH
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with IMPEACH
2impeach
noun
Definition of IMPEACH
obsoleteFirst Known Use of IMPEACH
1590
Other Government and Politics Terms
IMPEACHMENT Defined for Kids
impeach
verb im·peach \im-ˈpēch\
im·peachedim·peach·ing
Definition of IMPEACH for Kids
: to charge a public official formally with misconduct in office
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