noun
impeachment
im-PEECH-muhnt/ɪmˈpiːtʃmənt/
A formal challenge to someone's integrity or fitness.
The legislature considers impeachment after the governor admits accepting bribes.
Etymology
The fetter image underlies “hindrance,” while the noun also developed the sense “accusation.” That legal shift may reflect confusion with Latin impetere, “attack, accuse,” eventually yielding a formal charge of wrongdoing against an official.
In context
he lied about it under oath and committed perjury that led to his impeachment but here's what happened even after Clinton admitted the affair and apologized Republicans misread the public mood and forged ahead with impeachment proceedings
More examples
- The defense uses the witness's earlier statement as grounds for impeachment.
- Impeachment does not automatically remove an official from office.
- The report questions whether the evidence justifies impeachment.
Forms
impeachment · impeachments
impeach verb — Formally challenge someone's conduct, credibility, or fitness.
Similar words
- accusation
- Names alleged wrongdoing without necessarily starting a formal proceeding.
- indictment
- A formal criminal charge, rather than a challenge to fitness.
- censure
- Expresses formal disapproval rather than bringing charges or challenging credibility.