interrogate

American  

[in-ter-uh-geyt] / ɪnˈtɛr əˌgeɪt /

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.

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verb (used without object)

interrogated, interrogating

1. to ask questions, especially formally or officially.

   the right to interrogate.

interrogate British  

/ ɪnˈtɛrəˌɡeɪt /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of interrogate

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-

Example Sentences

“Your grandmother has already interrogated the ambassador. Really annoyed him.”

From Literature

It is a story that interrogates — with a searching and brutal tenderness — the how, why and who of our emotional being.

From Los Angeles Times

"They even interrogated us about who are relatives were, who had served in the Ukrainian army and who didn't."

From BBC

Lord Gove said Mr Cummings had been responsible for ensuring data was "accurately and thoroughly interrogated".

From BBC

It suspends the right of assembly and permits individuals to be arrested and interrogated without a court order.

From Barron's

Related Words

• examine
• grill
• investigate
• query
• quiz