inquest

American  

[in-kwest] / ˈɪn kwɛst /

noun

1. a legal or judicial inquiry, usually before a jury, especially an investigation made by a coroner into the cause of a death.

   Synonyms:

   inquisition, hearing

2. the body of people appointed to hold such an inquiry, especially a coroner's jury.

3. the decision or finding based on such inquiry.

4. an investigation or examination.

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inquest British  

/ ˈɪnˌkwɛst /

noun

1. an inquiry into the cause of an unexplained, sudden, or violent death, or as to whether or not property constitutes treasure trove, held by a coroner, in certain cases with a jury

2. informal any inquiry or investigation

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Etymology

Origin of inquest

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Medieval Latin inquēsta, equivalent to Latin in- + quaesīta, plural (taken in Medieval Latin as feminine singular) of quaesītum “question”; replacing Middle English enqueste, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin, as above; see in- ², quest

Explanation

An inquest is when a court of law or a coroner investigates the circumstances of a person's death. If a person in your family dies suddenly, you might attend an inquest at the courthouse. A death doesn't always require an inquest — they are typically carried out when there is something unexplained or suspicious about the way someone died. The inquest might be a step before a murder investigation, for example. Like a trial, a court inquest typically has a verdict issued by a judge, which might be "natural death" or "accidental death." The Old French root word is enqueste, or "inquiry."

Example Sentences

Deborah Coles, director of the charity Inquest, told the BBC the "reprehensible" behaviour was a pattern "played out across the country" but was "exemplified" in Essex.

From BBC • May 13, 2025

The Inquest charity provides expertise, support and advice to bereaved families on state related deaths and their subsequent investigations.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025

Inquest, and law firms representing bereaved families, are calling for the creation of a new independent body to audit hundreds of reports each year, and make sure recommendations are implemented.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2024

Reports about "potentially life-saving recommendations for change" should be treated with the utmost seriousness, says Deborah Coles from the charity Inquest.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2023

It will be necessary for me to report the matter to the Authorities at once, in order that an Inquest may be held.

From The Childerbridge Mystery by Boothby, Guy Newell

Related Words

• inquisition