Active Now

Danilo_G
Randy D
Malizz
.
Discussion » Questions » Language » Where does the word 'impeach' originate from?

Where does the word 'impeach' originate from?

Seems like a funny word to use that means 'we are going to fire you'.

Posted - October 1, 2019

Responses


  • 16197
    Middle English apecher, from the French empeechier, to hinder, stop, impede, capture. That was in turn derived from Latin impedicare, to fetter or capture.

    In law, "to accuse, bring charges against" from the late 14th century, particularly of the King or Parliament. The sense of "to accuse a public officer of misconduct" was in use by the 1560s. The switch of sense was possibly due to a confusion of mediaeval Latin, from impedicare to impetere, "attack, accuse"

    Source: https://www.etymonline.com/word/impeach
      October 1, 2019 1:58 AM MDT
    1

  • 14795
    A Dictionary I would think being Blonde...  :) 
      October 1, 2019 2:28 AM MDT
    1

  • Ultimately the word "impeach" and "impede" are related. "Impeach" just has more French influence. 
      October 1, 2019 10:49 AM MDT
    1