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 first," pursued Danton, indicating Lafayette with a gesture of contempt, "and first I interpellate Monsieur Lafayette, here present.

From The Sword of Honor, volumes 1 & 2 or The Foundation of the French Republic, A Tale of The French Revolution by Sue, Eug?ne

In 1885 several deputies, calling themselves Socialists, began to interpellate the ministry on the labor questions.

From Socialism and Democracy in Europe by Orth, Samuel P.