v.
Pronunciation: im- ' p ē ch
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 \ - ' p ē -ch ə -b ə l \ adjective
– im · peach · ment \ - ' p ē ch-m ə nt \ noun