impeachv. t.[OE. empeechier to prevent, hinder, bar, F. empcher, L. impedicare to entangle; pref. im- in + pedica fetter, fr. pes, pedis, foot. See Foot, and Appeach, Dispatch, Impede.]1. To hinder; to impede; to prevent.()These ungracious practices of his sons did impeach his journey to the Holy Land. (Sir J. Davies.)A defluxion on my throat impeached my utterance. (Howell.)2. To charge with a crime or misdemeanor; to accuse; especially to charge (a public officer), before a competent tribunal, with misbehavior in office; to cite before a tribunal for judgment of official misconduct; to arraign; as, to impeach a judge. See Impeachment.()3. Hence, to charge with impropriety; to dishonor; to bring discredit on; to call in question; as, to impeach one's motives or conduct.()And doth impeach the freedom of the state. (Shak.)4. (Law) To challenge or discredit the credibility of, as of a witness, or the validity of, as of commercial paper.()()()n. Hindrance; impeachment.()