impeachment

/ɪmˈpiːt͡ʃ.mənt/noun
Middle School
1

The act of calling into question or challenging the accuracy or propriety of something.

2

A demonstration in a court of law, or before another finder of fact, that a witness was ingenuine before, and is therefore less likely to tell the truth now.

3

An accusation that a person has committed a crime against the state, such as treason.

4

The act of impeaching or charging a public official with misconduct, especially if serious, often with the aim of having the official dismissed from office.

5

The state of being impeached.

6

Hindrance; impediment; obstruction.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing

#archaic