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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• interpellator
  noun
• interpellation
  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

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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

To interpellate means to harass and embarrass the government by continual contradictions, interruptions, and objections.

From The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 07 Masterpieces of German Literature Translated into English. in Twenty Volumes by Various

When the people arrived at Montbazon, the Baron de Vaux must interpellate the leader, and be guided by that person's attitude.

From The Maid of Honour (Vol. 3 of 3) A Tale of the Dark Days of France by Wingfield, Lewis