Impeacher Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impeacher

[ɪmˈpiːtʃər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

political context

An impeacher is a person who initiates the process of impeachment against a public official, typically a government official or president, on the grounds of misconduct. This action is often seen as a method to hold officials accountable for their actions while in office. Impeachment can involve various proceedings in legislative bodies, where the impeacher presents evidence and arguments for removal from office. The impeachment process is viewed as a critical component of checks and balances in government.

Synonyms

accuser, prosecutor.

Examples of usage

  • The impeacher presented compelling evidence to the committee.
  • As the impeacher, she took the lead in the investigation.
  • Many believed the impeacher acted out of partisan politics.
  • The historical role of an impeacher is vital in democracies.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The process of impeachment dates back to the Middle Ages in England, particularly for dealing with royal abuses.
  • The word itself comes from the Latin 'impeachmentem,' which means 'to bring a charge against.'

Political Science

  • In the United States, only two presidents have been impeached by the House of Representatives: Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, but neither was removed from office.
  • Impeachment is a constitutional mechanism that allows Congress to check the power of the executive branch.

Pop Culture

  • The impeachment process has been a popular subject in films and television shows, often symbolizing political drama and intrigue.
  • Contemporary political cartoons frequently depict impeachers with exaggerated features to satirize their actions.

Legal Aspects

  • Impeachment is not a criminal proceeding but a political one, where the outcome does not necessarily result in jail time.
  • The Senate conducts a trial after impeachment, where a two-thirds majority is required to convict and remove a high official.

International Context

  • Several countries have their own processes for impeachment, often with differing procedures and outcomes compared to the U.S. system.
  • Impeachment has been used globally, with mixed reactions regarding its effectiveness as a political tool.

Origin of 'impeacher'

The term 'impeacher' derives from the verb 'impeach,' which comes from the Old French term 'empechier,' meaning 'to hinder' or 'to prevent.' It originally appeared in English in the 14th century, referring generally to the act of accusing or accusing someone of wrongdoing. Over time, the term became more specifically associated with the formal process of charging a public official with misconduct. The roots of 'impeach' trace back to the Latin 'impedicare,' which means 'to catch in a net' or 'to entangle.' This etymology reflects the legal connotation of holding individuals accountable for their actions and the complexities of legal proceedings involved in impeachment. The concept of impeachment itself has a long history in governance, with roots dating back to ancient practices in Rome, later influencing the structures of modern democracies.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,302, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.