inquisitor

noun

in·​quis·​i·​tor in-ˈkwi-zə-tər 

: one who inquires or makes inquisition

especially : one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry

inquisitorial

in-ˌkwi-zə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

inquisitorially

in-ˌkwi-zə-ˈtȯr-ē-ə-lē 

adverb

Examples of inquisitor in a Sentence

He had to answer his inquisitors' questions or be thrown out of school.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the course of this year, Hoffman has become the chief inquisitor of Griffin’s story of abuse during a superficially perfect childhood in Amarillo, Texas. — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Fielder, who literally moved in with the family, plays the role of tricksterish inquisitor; Oppenheim imbues their interactions with cinematic flair. — Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026

Waugh on his turn from satirical humorist to dark inquisitor of the human condition is in full effect here. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026

It's partially inspired by director Benjamin Christensen's research on the German text Malleus Maleficarum, a guide to witchcraft for inquisitors looking to persecute its perpetrators. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1504, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inquisitor

• visiter
• visitor

Kids Definition

inquisitor

noun

in·​quis·​i·​tor in-ˈkwiz-ət-ər 

: one who conducts an inquisition

inquisitorial

-ˌkwiz-ə-ˈtōr-ē-əl 

-ˈtȯr-

adjective