interpellation

[in-ter-puh-ley-shuhn, in-tur-puh-]

noun

1. a procedure in some legislative bodies of asking a government official to explain an act or policy, sometimes leading, in parliamentary government, to a vote of confidence or a change of government.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpellation¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin interpellātiōn-, stem of interpellātiō “interruption.” See interpellate, -ion

Example Sentences

Now interpellations happen all over the place, whenever someone addresses someone else and seeks to purvey an idea or prompt a course of action.

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It would also expand the president’s authority over the judiciary, and eliminates parliament’s right to interpellation, or the ability to submit formal questions on the government’s actions to the executive.

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The ministers had to answer their French "interpellations" in French.

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The arrangements were made on behalf of the ministry by the Grand Vizier, Hilmi Pasha, and the matter was then brought up under interpellation in the Parliament.

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A member's redress in 56 such instances is to rag the president at the time when, according to custom, interpellations are in order; and as a rule he avails himself of this opportunity without mercy.

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