I. im-ˈpēch 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
II. noun
Date: 1590
obsolete : charge , impeachment