debrief

American  

[dee-breef] / diˈbrif /

verb (used with object)

1. to interrogate (a soldier, astronaut, diplomat, etc.) on return from a mission in order to assess the conduct and results of the mission.

2. to question formally and systematically in order to obtain useful intelligence or information.

   Political and economic experts routinely debrief important defectors about conditions in their home country.

3. to subject to prohibitions against revealing or discussing classified information, as upon separation from a position of military or political sensitivity.

4. Psychology. (after an experiment) to disclose to the subject the purpose of the experiment and any reasons for deception or manipulation.

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debrief British  

/ diːˈbriːf /

verb

1. (of a soldier, astronaut, diplomat, etc) to make or (of his superiors) to elicit a report after a mission or event Compare brief

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Other Word Forms

• debriefer noun
• debriefing noun

Etymology

Origin of debrief

First recorded in 1940–45; de- + brief

Explanation

When you debrief someone, you interview the person about an experience, project, or mission they've completed. A soldier's commanding officer might debrief her after a particularly difficult battle. Spies and military personnel might expect their superiors to debrief them after a mission — the process is called a debriefing, and it includes questions about the experience and instructions about which details must be kept classified. Educators and counselors sometimes also debrief people, particularly those who have experienced tragedy or trauma, and who can be helped by talking through their experiences. The word debrief emerged at the end of World War II, originally as a military term.

Example Sentences

The officials would repeatedly travel up and down floors to discuss new ideas or debrief on conversations with foreign leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2025

“They didn’t like the vibe,” he tells Syd in a morning-after debrief.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2025

The report stated: "Mr Woldbye first became aware of the incident at approximately 06:45 on 21 March, and received a debrief from Mr Echave."

From BBC • May 28, 2025

Antonelli held off the Ferrari challenge, whether from Leclerc or Hamilton, to take sixth, and the debrief at Ferrari may be interesting after shenanigans over the radio.

From BBC • May 4, 2025

Together they would debrief the Soviet spy in a safe house hidden away in northern Virginia.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

Related Words

• interrogate