Main Entry: ¹im·peach

Pronunciation: \im-ˈpēch\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: 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

Date: 14th century

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