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 of interrogate

• ask
• question

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

He got shot while going undercover in an animal-smuggling ring, came up against IA multiple times for accusations of excessive force, and had to interrogate Hayden Panettiere as two different people. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026

Then immigration officers, who are often following the state troopers or riding with them, interrogate the driver and passengers, according to Vecindarios 901, an immigration rapid-response organization that has witnessed dozens of stops. —Wendi C. Thomas, MLK50, 17 Apr. 2026

Her stunning 2025 debut, Waiting Room, interrogated horror and discomfort through probing and foreboding synthesizer drones and crackling bass; on Carve, she’s not done with her demons yet. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026

Ghio said of the questions a committee would interrogate. —Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for interrogate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

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