impeach

 
Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpiːtʃ/

verb

[with object]
  • call into question the integrity or validity of (a practice): there is no desire to impeach the privileges of the House of Commons
  • British charge (someone) with treason or another crime against the state.
  • chiefly US charge (the holder of a public office) with misconduct.

Derivatives

impeachable

adjective

impeachment

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (also in the sense 'hinder, prevent'; earlier as empeche): from Old French empecher 'impede', from late Latin impedicare 'catch, entangle' (based on pedica 'a fetter', from pes, ped- 'foot'). Compare with impede