interpellate

American  

[in-ter-pel-eyt, in-tur-puh-leyt] / ˌɪn tərˈpɛl eɪt, ɪnˈtɜr pəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

interpellated, interpellating

1. to call formally upon (a minister or member of a government) to explain an act or policy, sometimes leading, in parliamentary government, to a vote of confidence or a change of government.

2. Sociology. to maintain power over a population by imposing beliefs, values, and norms on that population rather than using force.

---

interpellate British  

/ ɪnˈtɜːpɛˌleɪt /

verb

1. (tr) parliamentary procedure (in European legislatures) to question (a member of the government) on a point of government policy, often interrupting the business of the day

---

Other Word Forms

• interpellation noun
• interpellator noun

Etymology

Origin of interpellate

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin interpellātus, past participle of interpellāre “to interrupt,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + -pellā(re) “to speak” + -tus past participle suffix; see inter-

Example Sentences

A motion to interpellate M. Briand at once passed with the dramatic suddenness of a pistol shot.

From Time Magazine Archive

Attempts last week to interpellate Prime Minister Laval's Government about the loan brought a smash vote.

From Time Magazine Archive

It was found that not one of the four Deputies registered to interpellate was ready.

From Time Magazine Archive

And no deputy rises to interpellate the liars!

From History of the Commune of 1871 by Lissagary, P.

That to interpellate is to question as of unchallenged right, as in a deliberative body.

From The Century Vocabulary Builder by Bachelor, Joseph M. (Joseph Morris)