Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Impeach means to charge an elected official (such as the president) with misconduct while in office. It is the first step in removing someone from public office through legal proceedings.
Related terms
Removal from office: The final outcome of an impeachment process, where the official is ousted from their position.
Articles of impeachment: The formal charges brought against an elected official during the impeachment process.
High crimes and misdemeanors: The standard for impeachable offenses, which refers to serious misconduct or abuse of power by a public official.