Where does the word “impeach” come from?
Sometimes, even if we’re completely over something, and want anything but to hear more of it, the media makes staying oblivious a daunting task. So as much as I, along with billions of others, are over a certain debacle that’s been occupying headlines for four straight years now, we may as well learn about the closing word of its legacy: “impeach”
It’s a funny-sounding word. Various comedians referred to “Donald and the Giant Impeach” the first time Mr. T got impeached. It’s a play on words; “James and the Giant Peach” is a children’s book and musical. Of course, the satirical tag line was always accompanied by entertaining cartoons. Because of this, I now almost always picture a peach when I hear the word impeach.
But the word has no etymological connections to fruit. In fact, its etymology isn’t interesting at all, but for the irony in light of current events. It originates from an old word empechen meaning “to impede, hinder, prevent,” and later “cause to be stuck, run (a ship) aground.” This in turn originates from a Latin word impedicare meaning “to fetter, catch, entangle.” Apparently, the meaning we now associate with “impeach” may have arisen from confusion between impedicare and another Latin word impetere meaning “attack, accuse.” All these underlying meanings are illustrative of either effects the President has had or those to stop him.
It’s also worth noting that impeachment wasn’t just something he was subject to, but also something he caused. In addition to its common meaning “to charge with a crime or misdemeanor,” impeach also means “to cast doubt on; especially : to challenge the credibility or validity of.” Although the word is typically used in legal settings, one could argue the President impeached the strength of his own democracy.
