Interrogation
/ɪnˌtɛrəˈɡeɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of questioning formally and systematically, often to obtain information, especially from a suspect or prisoner.
/ɪnˌtɛrəˈɡeɪʃən/
The act of questioning, especially formally.
The police conducted a lengthy interrogation of the witness.
💡 Simply: It's like asking a whole bunch of questions in a serious way, like the police do to figure out what happened. Think of it as a focused Q&A session with the goal of getting information.
👶 For kids: When grown-ups ask a lot of questions to find out the truth about something.
More Examples
The suspect’s lawyer was present during the interrogation.
She claimed the interrogation techniques were coercive.
How It's Used
"Police conducted an interrogation of the suspect to gather information."
"The spy underwent rigorous interrogation to uncover sensitive details."
A set of questions formally and systematically asked, often to assess a person or situation.
/ɪnˌtɛrəˈɡeɪʃən/
A set of questions formally asked
The journalist prepared for the interrogation with detailed research.
💡 Simply: It's like a serious Q&A, but instead of just one question, it's a whole series of questions used to investigate something.
👶 For kids: A group of questions asked to find out information.
More Examples
The interrogation of the witness was a pivotal moment in the trial.
She felt unprepared for the interrogation.
How It's Used
"The interview transformed into an intense interrogation of the CEO regarding the company's ethics."
"The panel subjected the candidate to a rigorous interrogation about their strategic plans."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
under interrogation
Being questioned, often by authorities.
"The suspect was taken into custody and placed under interrogation."
From Latin *interrogatio*, meaning 'a questioning.' It is derived from the verb *interrogare*, meaning 'to question.' It entered English in the late 16th century.
The term 'interrogation' has been used since the 16th century, initially in a legal and religious context before expanding to other areas of inquiry.
Memory tip
Imagine an *inter*view with extra *rogation* (questioning) - like in a police movie.
Word Origin
"to question"