impeachable
Definition
- Adjective:
- Capable of being accused of misconduct: "impeachable" describes an action or behavior that is severe enough to warrant formal charges of wrongdoing, especially against a public official.
- Open to challenge or discredit: In a broader sense, it can refer to something that is questionable or subject to criticism.
Usage Examples
- Capable of being accused of misconduct:
- The president's actions were considered impeachable by the committee. (The behavior was serious enough to justify impeachment proceedings.)
- Open to challenge or discredit:
- The witness's testimony was impeachable due to inconsistencies. (The testimony could be questioned or discredited.)
Advanced Usage
- "impeachable offense": a specific act that meets the constitutional or legal standard for impeachment.
- High crimes and misdemeanors are typically considered impeachable offenses. (These are the types of actions that can lead to removal from office.)
Variants and Related Words
- Impeach (verb): to charge a public official with misconduct.
- The legislature voted to impeach the governor. (They formally accused him of wrongdoing.)
- Impeachment (noun): the process of bringing charges against a public official.
- The impeachment of the judge lasted several months. (The formal accusation and trial process.)
Synonyms
- Accusable: able to be accused of wrongdoing.
- Culpable: deserving blame or censure.
- Questionable: open to doubt or challenge.
Related Idioms
- "Open to impeachment": vulnerable to being formally accused of misconduct.
- Any violation of the oath of office leaves an official open to impeachment. (They risk being charged with wrongdoing.)