interrogation

noun

in·​ter·​ro·​ga·​tion in-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce interrogation (audio)
plural interrogations
: the act of interrogating someone or something: such as
a
: a formal and systematic questioning
She conducted a skillful interrogation of the witness.
It was old-fashioned interrogation and eavesdropping that first led U.S. intelligence agents to the … plotters.Michael Isikoff
And during interrogation, instead of just listening for inconsistencies in what is said, agents are being taught to look for minute physical reactions on the faces of people being questioned.Ann Davis et al.
b
: the sending of an electronic signal intended to trigger a particular response from something (such as a transponder)
The airborne equipment measures the time between the interrogation and the return signal, and converts this time measurement into a mileage reading on our instrument panel, on either a dial or digital counter.Joseph W. Benkert
interrogational adjective

Examples of interrogation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Lombardo Palacios confessed to murder following hours of interrogation that employed pressure tactics many experts now say are unreliable. Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 The investigation into Gary’s stabbing began with an episode devoted almost entirely to interrogations, which served to fully recap the events of the series thus far — from Karen’s salon burning down to Sabrina’s wrongful conviction. Andy Swift, TVLine, 16 Oct. 2024 Estela’s duties include cleaning, cooking, and—most important—taking care of the couple’s daughter; the novel consists of her recollection, delivered in an interrogation room, of the events leading up to the daughter’s untimely death. The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 After a 30-minute interrogation, the border agent looked at her again and asked her to spell her last name. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for interrogation 

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interrogation was in 1534

Dictionary Entries Near interrogation

Cite this Entry

“Interrogation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interrogation. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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