interrogate

[in-ter-uh-geyt]

verb (used with object)

interrogated, interrogating 

1. to ask questions of (a person), sometimes to seek answers or information that the person questioned considers personal or secret.

   Synonyms: query

2. to examine by questions; question formally.

   The police captain interrogated the suspect.

3. to analyze (an idea or belief), especially by thoroughly and dispassionately questioning its underlying assumptions.

   The antiwork movement seeks to interrogate the concept of work as we know it today.

verb (used without object)

interrogated, interrogating 

1. to ask questions, especially formally or officially.

   the right to interrogate.

interrogate

/ ɪnˈtɛrəˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to ask questions (of), esp to question (a witness in court, spy, etc) closely

Other Word Forms

• interrogable adjective
• interrogatingly adverb
• interrogee noun
• reinterrogate verb
• uninterrogable adjective
• uninterrogated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interrogate¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin interrogātus, past participle of interrogāre “to question, examine,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + rogā(re) “to ask” + -tus past participle suffix; inter-

Word History and Origins

Origin of interrogate¹

C15: from Latin interrogāre to question, examine, from rogāre to ask

Example Sentences

Prosecutors allege Amiryan and his crew kidnapped a man who they thought was behind the assassination attempt, torturing and interrogating him inside a Sun Valley home.

From Los Angeles Times

Coberg carried a gun and identified himself as active law enforcement while working for Iza, prosecutors said, and he “interrogated” a victim referred to in court records by the initials “L.A.”

From Los Angeles Times

In 2010, while at his home in Johannesburg, he was stabbed by intruders, then tied up and interrogated.

From BBC

The congresswoman’s bill made it into the headlines, and it reinforced the unspoken understanding that Glenn is not there to interrogate: He’s there to assist.

From Salon

An ambulance was put on standby while she was being interrogated, Reuters reported citing the special prosecutor's office.

From BBC

Related Words

• examine 
• grill 
• investigate 
• query 
• quiz