debriefing

[dee-bree-fing]

noun

1. the process or an instance of formally and systematically questioning participants in order to assess the conduct and results of a mission, project, therapeutic process, etc..

   After the event, a detailed debriefing was conducted to ensure that all possible lessons were learned.

   Empirical studies could evaluate what qualities of therapeutic debriefing most influence patient learning and change.

2. the process or an instance of formally and systematically questioning someone in order to obtain useful intelligence or information.

   Informant debriefings indicated that the primary sources of heroin are New York City–based trafficking organizations.

   Once the tactical debriefing was accomplished, the interrogation crew would determine which prisoners were significant enough to be targeted for high-level interrogation.

3. an instance of information gathering or disclosure.

   Your guide will be able to give you an important safety debriefing and make sure you know what to expect.

4. Psychology.,  the process or an instance of disclosing information after an experiment in order to inform a subject of the purpose and reasons for any deception or manipulation.

   Another goal of the debriefing is for the researcher to obtain participants' reactions to the study itself.

Word History and Origins

Origin of debriefing¹

debrief ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

"Be careful debriefing use of force in the suite," he said.

From BBC

“It wasn’t until after the concert, where I was debriefing with my friends and I said, ‘Let’s review the footage, let’s see if it really looks that bad.’

From Los Angeles Times

But the strategy was successful enough that Gonzalez plans to sit down with national labor leaders for a debriefing.

From Los Angeles Times

Intriguingly Mr Darcey says a big question is how an AI pilot can “explain itself on the ground”, debriefing human controllers on its actions and motives.

From BBC

Part of his plea agreement states that he must co-operate with prosecutors "for the rest of his life, including by submitting to debriefings by US government agencies".

From BBC

Related Words

• interrogate