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

Members were interrogated as to whether the church was hiding any Americans. —Peter Pomerantsev, TIME, 20 Apr. 2024

Ackerman was interrogated for six hours, according to Vernon. —Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2024

Adapted from the blockbuster video game franchise by Westworld’s Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, this vast apocalyptic adventure interrogates the concept of human survival through a lens of morality and justice. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2024

And that means inviting employees to regulate themselves and interrogate their internal story anytime potential conflict occurs. —Susan Callender, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

His team will leverage the current BepiColombo return mission to further interrogate the subterranean secrets of Mercury. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024

Following the release of her new poetry collection, the author continues to interrogate themes of home and displacement. —Zahra Hankir, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Apr. 2024

On stage, memory proves to be the star worth interrogating. —Lisa Kennedy, The Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2024

When Charlotte doesn’t offer her money, unlike her two other best friends, Carrie storms into Charlotte’s apartment to interrogate her. —Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 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