interrogate

verb

in·​ter·​ro·​gate in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt 

-ˈte-rə-

interrogated; interrogating

transitive verb

1

: to question formally and systematically

2

: to give or send out a signal to (a device, such as a transponder) for triggering an appropriate response

interrogatee

in-ˌter-ə-(ˌ)gā-ˈtē 

noun

Synonyms

• ask
• catechize
• grill
• inquire (of)
• query
• question
• quiz

Choose the Right Synonym for interrogate

ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information.

ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions.

began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

Examples of interrogate in a Sentence

interrogate a prisoner of war

interrogated him about where he'd gone the night before

Recent Examples on the Web

An apparent fan of food writer Michael Pollan, Mangione shared content that interrogated the consumption of alcohol, psychedelic drugs and even coffee. —Tom Winter, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024

Two individuals accused of serving Payne drugs will be interrogated on Dec. 17 at 10 and 11 a.m., respectively. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024

Several SpaceX executives have been asking questions about matters that go well beyond space policy, and interrogating federal spending across government agencies, people with direct knowledge of the talks say. —Theodore Schleifer, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2024

Having interrogated Yarrick in an empty classroom during the Nativity play in which both Yarrick’s and the Webbs’ children are performing, Sam drops Yarrick’s purloined phone into Jacqueline Webb’s backpack for Helen to review later. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin interrogatus, past participle of interrogare, from inter- + rogare to ask — more at right

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

interrogate

verb

in·​ter·​ro·​gate in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt 

interrogated; interrogating

: to question formally and thoroughly

interrogation

-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən 

noun

interrogator

-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt-ər

noun

Legal Definition

interrogate

transitive verb

in·​ter·​ro·​gate in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt 

interrogated; interrogating

: to question formally and systematically

especially : to gather information from (a suspect) by means that are reasonably likely to elicit incriminating responses see also miranda rights

Note: Under Rhode Island v. Innis, 446 U.S. 291 (1980), interrogating includes not just express questioning, but also any words or actions that the police should know are reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response. Asking questions that are normally asked in the course of arrest or booking (such as questions about name or age) is not considered interrogation.

interrogation

in-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən 

noun

interrogator

in-ˈter-ə-ˌgā-tər 

noun