Dictionary.com

interrogate

[ in-ter-uh-geyt ]
/ ɪnˈtɛr əˌgeɪt /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: interrogate / interrogating on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), in·ter·ro·gat·ed, in·ter·ro·gat·ing.
to ask questions of (a person), sometimes to seek answers or information that the person questioned considers personal or secret.
to examine by questions; question formally: The police captain interrogated the suspect.
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), in·ter·ro·gat·ed, in·ter·ro·gat·ing.
to ask questions, especially formally or officially:the right to interrogate.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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; see inter-

OTHER WORDS FROM interrogate

Words nearby interrogate

interrelation, interreligious, interrex, interrobang, interrog., interrogate, interrogation, interrogation mark, interrogation point, interrogative, interrogative sentence
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to interrogate

examine, grill, investigate, query, quiz, catechize, inquire, pump, question, roast, cross-examine, cross-question, go over, put through the wringer, sweat out, work over

How to use interrogate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for interrogate

interrogate
/ (ɪnˈtɛrəˌɡeɪt) /
verb
to ask questions (of), esp to question (a witness in court, spy, etc) closely

Derived forms of interrogate

interrogatingly, adverb

Word Origin for interrogate

C15: from Latin interrogāre to question, examine, from rogāre to ask
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK