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

The inquest into the lack of British singles success at the French Open is nothing new and is largely down to a lack of exposure to the clay.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

There was no police investigation and David Malone, deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in London, said the inquest into her death had lasted just half a day.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

His inquest earlier this year heard that neither the coaches nor the 999 call handler recognised his irregular, shallow breathing was a sign of cardiac arrest.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Video footage of schoolboy Noah Donohoe's body in an underground water tunnel has been shown to the jury at the inquest into his death.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

“Oh,” said Doctor Baker, “yes, yes I suppose I have. Some inquest or other wasn’t there? My wife was reading all about it.”

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

Related Words

• inquisition