Dictionary.com

interpellate

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

verb (used with object), in·ter·pel·lat·ed, in·ter·pel·lat·ing.

to call formally upon (a minister or member of a government) in interpellation.

QUIZZES

TAKE THIS QUIZ IF A DAZZLING VOCABULARY IS YOUR DESIDERATUM!

Have the Words of the Day from October 19–25, 2020, made an indelible mark on your memory? Take the quiz to find out!
Question 1 of 7
What does “clement” mean?
having or claiming to have the power of seeing objects or actions beyond the range of natural vision.
mild or merciful in disposition or character; lenient; compassionate.
favorite; cherished.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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-

OTHER WORDS FROM interpellate

in·ter·pel·la·tor [in-ter-puh-ley-ter, in-tur-puh-ley-], /ˈɪn tər pəˌleɪ tər, ɪnˈtɜr pəˌleɪ-/, noun

Words nearby interpellate

interparietal suture, interparoxysmal, interpeduncular fossa, interpeduncular nucleus, interpellant, interpellate, interpellation, interpelviabdominal amputation, interpenetrate, interpersonal, interpersonal theory
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for interpellate

British Dictionary definitions for interpellate

interpellate
/ (ɪnˈtɜːpɛˌleɪt) /

verb

(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

Derived forms of interpellate

interpellation, nouninterpellator, noun

Word Origin for interpellate

C16: from Latin interpellāre to disturb, from inter- + pellere to push
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012