-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

205 / 371

noun

inquisition

in-kwih-ZISH-uhn/ˌɪnkwɪˈzɪʃn/

A harsh or prolonged questioning or investigation.

Her parents turn every late arrival into an inquisition.

A tired adult faces prolonged questioning across a desk by two persistent questioners, no violence or restraint.

Etymology

inLatinin, into, on, upon

+quisitLatinseek, ask, investigate

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

A 'searching into' became a legal examination, including a search for grounds for accusation. The selected sense presents questioning as that kind of searching examination, experienced as harsh or prolonged rather than as a simple request.

More examples

The interview feels more like an inquisition than a conversation.
He refuses to endure another inquisition about his spending.
The manager's weekly inquisitions leave the entire staff exhausted.

Forms

inquisition · inquisitions

inquisitorial adjective — Involving harsh questioning or intensive investigation.

Similar words

interrogation: Emphasizes direct, formal questioning rather than a broader investigation.
grilling: Informally describes intense questioning, often over a short period.
investigation: Covers systematic fact-finding without necessarily implying harsh treatment.