Definition of impeach

The word "impeach" originated from the Old French "empecher," which means "to hinder" or "to obstruct." This Old French term is derived from the Latin "impedire," which means "to hinder" or "to block." The Latin verb "impedire" is a combination of "in" (meaning "in" or "on") and "pedere" (meaning "to accomplish" or "to achieve"). In the 15th century, the word "impeach" entered the English language, initially meaning "to hinder" or "to obstruct." Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically refer to the process of accusing a public official of misconduct, often in a legislative body. Today, "impeach" is commonly used in politics and law to describe the formal accusation of wrongdoing by an elected official, leading to a trial or removal from office.