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impeachment
/ɪmˈpiːtʃmənt/
a formal accusation against a public official
The House of Representatives voted to impeach the president, sending the case to the Senate for trial.
This example shows the process of impeachment in the U.S. political system, where a public official is formally accused of misconduct.
Law
formal
a formal accusation made by a legislature against a public official, typically a president or judge, alleging misconduct or violation of the law
The Senate conducted an impeachment trial to determine whether the president should be removed from office.
This illustrates the judicial process following an impeachment accusation.
Impeachment does not automatically remove an official from office; it only initiates a trial.
This clarifies that impeachment is the first step in a legal process.
In the U.S., impeachment is a constitutional process outlined in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution.
Collocations
impeachment triala legal proceeding to determine guilt after an impeachment accusationimpeachment processthe steps involved in formally accusing and trying a public official
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
Impeachment is a legal term specific to certain political systems. Avoid using it in general contexts.
Gold Rule
Process vs. Outcome
Impeachment is the accusation, not the removal. Removal requires a separate trial and conviction.
Word Origin
From Middle French 'empeschement' (obstacle), from Old French 'empescher' (to hinder), from Latin 'impedicare' (to fetter). The modern legal sense emerged in English in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
The term is most commonly used in political contexts, particularly in the U.S. and other presidential systems. It does not guarantee removal from office but triggers a trial.
Word Breakdown
im-
in, into
prefix-peach
to accuse or charge
root-ment
the result or process of
suffixEnglish Dictionary