Pronunciation: [ɪmpˈiːt͡ʃt] (IPA) 
The word "impeached" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ɪmˈpiːtʃt/. The first syllable, "im," is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "it," followed by "peached," which is pronounced with a long "e" sound as in "peace" and a "ch" sound at the end. This word is often used in political contexts to refer to the process of bringing charges against a government official, particularly in the United States.
Impeached is a term used primarily in the context of politics and government to refer to the formal process of accusing or charging a public official, particularly those holding high-ranking positions such as the President, Governor, or other elected representatives, with misconduct or wrongdoing. It is a legal procedure that allows for the removal of an official from office before the completion of their term.
Impeachment typically begins with a formal investigation by a legislative body, often the lower house of a national or state parliament, to gather evidence and determine if there are valid grounds for charges against the accused official. If sufficient evidence is found, the legislative body votes on whether to impeach the official, which involves formally charging them with specific offenses.
Once the official is impeached, a trial is usually held in the upper house of the legislative body or a separate tribunal, presided over by independent judges or lawmakers, depending on the country's constitutional framework. During the trial, evidence is presented, witnesses may testify, and legal arguments are debated. A decision is ultimately reached through a vote by the members of the upper house or tribunal, with a specific majority required for conviction.
If convicted, the impeached official is usually removed from office, and in some cases, may also face additional penalties such as disqualification from future public office or even criminal charges. However, it is important to note that impeachment does not automatically equate to removal from office, as the process varies by country, often involving multiple stages and legal complexities.
The word "impeached" originated from the Old French word "empeechier" or "empechier", which means "to hinder" or "to impede". It is derived from the Latin word "impedicare", which also means "to entangle" or "to obstruct". Over time, the term evolved to take on a specific legal and political meaning, referring to the process of charging a public official, particularly a high-ranking government official, with misconduct or wrongdoing.
