inquisitor

[ in-kwiz-i-ter ]

noun

1. a person who makes an inquisition.
2. a questioner, especially an unduly curious or harsh one.
3. a person who investigates in an official capacity.
4. a member of the Inquisition.

inquisitor

/ ɪnˈkwɪzɪtə /

noun

1. a person who inquires, esp deeply, searchingly, or ruthlessly
2. often capital an official of the ecclesiastical court of the Inquisition

Word History and Origins

Origin of inquisitor¹

1495–1505; < Latin inquīsītor, equivalent to inquīsī-, variant stem of inquīrere to inquire + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

A handful of interesting performances and effective episodes in the second half of the season aside, the effect is to reduce the President and his inquisitor, Ken Starr, to minor roles.

From Time

But don't adopt the role of inquisitor—because I'm as good as dead, and dead men tell no tales.

From Project Gutenberg

It would not take two minutes to convert him from the inquisitor to the martyr at the stake.

From Project Gutenberg

The members were all seated, but they rose; the President, the Inquisitor, and two assisting Judges.

From Project Gutenberg

The Inquisitor did not make his appearance till noon, and then informed us that it was time to go.

From Project Gutenberg

When the ranchman did not reply, his inquisitor seemed amused.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• interrogator