Meaning & use

impeach

verb·Advanced

Last updated

To formally charge a public official with misconduct in office, as the first step toward possible removal.

See it in a sentence

The legislature voted to impeach the governor after the corruption scandal came to light.

Impeaching a president does not automatically remove them from office.

A note on using this word

A common misconception is that "impeach" means to remove someone from office; it actually means only to bring formal charges, with removal decided separately.

Words with a similar meaning

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