impeach

views updated May 21 2018

im·peach / imˈpēch/ • v. [tr.] call into question the integrity or validity of (a practice): there is no basis to Searle's motion to impeach the verdict. ∎  charge (the holder of a public office) with misconduct: the governor served only one year before being impeached and convicted for fiscal fraud. ∎ Brit. charge with treason or another crime against the state.DERIVATIVES: im·peach·a·ble adj.im·peach·ment n.

Impeach

views updated May 23 2018

IMPEACH

To accuse; to charge a liability upon; to sue. To dispute, disparage, deny, or contradict; as in to impeach a judgment or decree, or impeach a witness; or as used in the rule that a jury cannot impeach its verdict. To proceed against a public officer for crime or misfeasance, before a proper court, by the presentation of a written accusation calledarticles of impeachment.

In the law of evidence, the testimony of a witness is impeached by earlier statements that the witness has made if they are inconsistent with the statements to which the witness testifies.

impeach

views updated Jun 11 2018

impeach †impede; accuse, charge XIV; charge with a high misdemeanour; call in question, disparage XVI. ME. empe(s)che — OF. empe(s)cher (mod. empêcher prevent) :- late L. impedicāre catch, entangle, f. IM-1 + pedica FETTER.
So impeachment XIV.