impeach
im-PEECH
/ɪmˈpiːtʃ/
To call into question the integrity or validity of a statement or witness; or to formally charge a public official with misconduct.
In evidence law, to 'impeach a witness' means to discredit their credibility by showing bias, inconsistent statements, or dishonesty.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'in-' (into) and 'pedica' (fetter/shackle, from 'pes' meaning foot). It passed into Old French as 'empecher' (to hinder or trap). Originally, to impeach someone meant to ensnare or physically hinder them; in legal usage, it evolved to trapping them in a lie or misconduct.
Word relationships
- discredit: Discredit is a general term for damaging reputation, while impeach specifically means challenging credibility in court or bringing formal charges.
- challenge: Challenge is broad, whereas impeach targets honesty or trustworthiness specifically.
- corroborate: Corroborate strengthens witness testimony, while impeach undermines it.
- vindicate: Vindicate clears someone of blame or establishes truthfulness.
Commonly confused with
- recant: To impeach is to challenge another person's credibility; to recant is to withdraw one's own prior statement.
Word family
- impeachment (noun): The action of calling into question or charging a public official.
- impeachable (adjective): Calling for or subject to impeachment.
Collocations
- impeach a witness
- impeach credibility
- impeach an official
- impeach testimony
Example sentences
- "The defense attorney managed to impeach the prosecution's star witness by revealing prior contradictory statements." Cross-examination
Memory hook
IM-PEECH: Throwing a PEACH at a witness's credibility to knock it down! Challenge credibility or charge.
When not to use
Do not confuse impeaching a political official with removing them from office; impeachment is the formal charge, not the conviction.
Fun facts
- Despite popular belief, 'impeach' has no etymological relation to the fruit 'peach' (which comes from 'Persia').
Related words
Explore more words
cross-examine, discredit, interrogate, contradict, testify, incriminate
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