Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal charge of misconduct against a public official: The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a high-ranking government official, such as a president or judge, for alleged crimes or abuses of power while in office. It is the first step in a potential removal from office, not the conviction itself.

Usage

• Impeachment is a constitutional mechanism for holding public officials accountable.
• It is a formal accusation, analogous to an indictment in criminal law.
• The process typically involves an investigation, the drafting of articles of impeachment (the formal charges), and a trial.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The House of Representatives voted for the impeachment of the president.
  • The impeachment trial in the Senate will determine if the official is removed from office.
  • Historical examples include the impeachment of Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton.

Advanced Usage

• "Articles of impeachment": The specific, formal charges drafted by a legislative body.

  • The committee drafted two articles of impeachment for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

• "To face impeachment": To be subject to the impeachment process.

  • The corrupt official may face impeachment for his actions.

• "Impeachment proceedings": The formal steps and events of the impeachment process.

  • The impeachment proceedings were broadcast live on television.

Variants and Related Words

• Impeach (verb): To charge (a public official) with a crime or misdemeanor while in office.

  • The House voted to impeach the federal judge.

• Impeachable (adjective): Describing an offense for which one can be impeached.

  • Treason and bribery are impeachable offenses under the Constitution.

Synonyms

• Indictment: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime. (Note: "Impeachment" is a specific type of indictment for public officials.)
• Accusation: A charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong.

Related Phrases

• Power of impeachment: The constitutional authority granted to a legislative body to impeach officials.

  • The Constitution grants the House of Representatives the sole power of impeachment.

• To vote on impeachment: To formally decide whether to bring charges.

  • Congress will vote on impeachment next week.

Idioms and Common Expressions

• "A political impeachment": An impeachment process perceived to be motivated primarily by partisan politics rather than genuine legal cause.
  • Critics dismissed the attempt as a political impeachment without merit.

Noun

1. a formal document charging a public official with misconduct in office