different between reproach vs impeach

English

Etymology

Old French reprochier (Modern reprocher).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /???p???t?/
• (US) IPA^(key): /???p?o?t?/
• Rhymes: -??t?

Noun

reproach (countable and uncountable, plural reproaches)

1. A mild rebuke, or an implied criticism.
2. Disgrace or shame.
3. (countable) An object of scorn.

Synonyms

• obloquy, opprobrium

Translations

Verb

reproach (third-person singular simple present reproaches, present participle reproaching, simple past and past participle reproached)

1. (transitive) To criticize or rebuke (someone).

   • if ye be reproached for the name of Christ

   • Mezentius […] with his ardour warmed / His fainting friends, reproached their shameful flight, / Repelled the victors.

2. (transitive) To disgrace, or bring shame upon.

Synonyms

• (to criticize or rebuke): blame, rebuke, upbraid
• (to disgrace): disgrace, dishonor
• See also Thesaurus:reprehend

Derived terms

• beyond reproach
• reproachful
• reproachable

Translations

English

Alternative forms

• empeach (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle English empechen, borrowed from Anglo-Norman empecher, from Old French empeechier (“to hinder”), from Latin impedic?re (“to fetter”). Cognate with French empêcher (“to prevent”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?m?pi?t?/
• Rhymes: -i?t?

Verb

impeach (third-person singular simple present impeaches, present participle impeaching, simple past and past participle impeached)

1. To hinder, impede, or prevent.
   • 1612, John Davies, Discoverie of the True Causes why Ireland was never entirely subdued

     These ungracious practices of his sons did impeach his journey to the Holy Land.

   • February 2 1621, James Howell, "To my Father" in Epistolæ Ho-Elianæ

     I was afraid the same defluxion of Salt Rheum which fell from my Temples into my Throat in Oxford, and distilling upon the Uvula, impeached my Utterance a little to this Day

2. To bring a legal proceeding against a public official.

   President Clinton was impeached by the House in November 1998, but since the Senate acquitted him, he was not removed from office.

3. To charge with impropriety; to discredit; to call into question.
4. (law) To demonstrate in court that a testimony under oath contradicts another testimony from the same person, usually one taken during deposition.

Derived terms

• impeachment

Translations

Anagrams

• aphemic