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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• debriefer noun
• debriefing noun

Etymology

Origin of debrief

First recorded in 1940–45; de- + brief

Example Sentences

Monday was a light training session with the players who played on Saturday, and a debrief in a match-related game versus the reserves.

From BBC

As we debriefed Monday's action, I asked former Olympic figure skating champion Robin Cousins what Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson need to do to win an ice dance medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

From BBC

Either way, I’m sure there was a debriefing later.

From Salon

Nursing a cider at Highland Park Bowl, Maris recalled the late nights she used to spend with Maddux, debriefing her shows over McDonald’s.

From Los Angeles Times

Zelensky described the talks in the United States as "very constructive", adding that decisions would be taken on Ukraine's "further activities" once the delegation returning from there had been debriefed.

From Barron's

Related Words

• interrogate