verb
interrogate
in-TAIR-uh-gayt/ɪnˈterəɡeɪt/
To question closely in order to obtain information.
The investigator interrogates the person seated across the table.
Etymology
The “ask, question” root supplies the central meaning. The Latin compound already included judicial questioning and cross-examination, so the modern sense preserves a formal, searching use of questioning.
In context
James then decides it's time for him to figure out for himself what's going on. It's a sign of just how important it was to him that he determines to interrogate the suspects at his own home, at Holyrood House.
More examples
- Detectives interrogated the suspect about the missing money.
- Stop interrogating me about every detail of my evening.
- Analysts interrogate the data to uncover patterns in spending.
Forms
interrogate · interrogates · interrogated · interrogating
interrogation noun — Close questioning intended to obtain information.
interrogator noun — A person who questions someone closely.
Similar words
- question
- A broader term that does not imply detailed questioning.
- cross-examine
- Typically involves challenging a witness's testimony in a legal proceeding.