noun
interrogation
in-tair-uh-GAY-shun/ɪnˌterəˈɡeɪʃn/
Formal or persistent questioning to obtain information.
The investigator takes notes during the interrogation in the interview room.
Etymology
The questioning root and action-noun ending name the act of asking questions. English first used the word for a single question, then for questioning or a set of questions; Latin also supplied a judicial-inquiry sense.
In context
He was interrogated for 7 hours and 40 minutes during which he was told he would be charged with 47 counts of murder. After this interrogation, he was sent back to the Iowa
More examples
- The suspect refuses to answer questions during the interrogation.
- Dinner turns into an interrogation about my weekend plans.
- The report describes several lengthy interrogations of the witnesses.
Forms
interrogation · interrogations
interrogate verb — To question someone closely to obtain information.
interrogator noun — A person who questions someone closely.
Similar words
- questioning
- Broader term that need not imply formality or persistence.
- interview
- Usually a planned conversation, not necessarily persistent or forceful.
- grilling
- Informal term emphasizing intense, demanding questioning rather than formality.