inquisitor

noun

in·​quis·​i·​tor in-ˈkwi-zə-tər How to pronounce inquisitor (audio)
: one who inquires or makes inquisition
especially : one who is unduly harsh, severe, or hostile in making an inquiry
inquisitorial adjective
inquisitorially 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 An artificial intelligence responsible for life support is suspected of murder and an inquisitor specializing in AI is sent to solve the case. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 13 June 2024 An inquisitor specializing in artificial intelligence is sent to solve the case. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 2 May 2024 Harsh inquisitors regularly summoned officials to Capitol Hill; the California Democrat John Moss, for example, held their feet to the fire on such issues as domestic surveillance and corrupt defense contracts. John A. Lawrence, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2020 In addition to sci-fi elements, the project tells a touching love story between the inquisitor and his AI assistant. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for inquisitor 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inquisitor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1504, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inquisitor was in 1504

Dictionary Entries Near inquisitor

Cite this Entry

“Inquisitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquisitor. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

inquisitor

noun
in·​quis·​i·​tor in-ˈkwiz-ət-ər How to pronounce inquisitor (audio)
: one who conducts an inquisition
inquisitorial adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on inquisitor

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!