interrogate

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verb in·ter·ro·gate \ in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt , -ˈte-rə- \

Definition of interrogate

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

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interrogatee

play \in-ˌter-ə-(ˌ)gā-ˈtē\ noun

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interrogation

play \in-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən\ noun

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interrogational

play \in-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See interrogate defined for English-language learners

See interrogate defined for kids

Examples of interrogate in a Sentence

interrogate a prisoner of war
interrogated him about where he'd gone the night before

Recent Examples of interrogate from the Web

Perhaps the best thing to do with GWTW is to ask anyone who shows the film to put together a prelude or postlude — or maybe a little presentation for the intermission that is usually provided — that interrogates the film’s presentation of history.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Yes, Gone With the Wind Is Another Neo-Confederate Monument," 30 Aug. 2017
All three men were interrogated at a site in Afghanistan, according to the ACLU.

— peter blumberg, Bloomberg.com, "CIA Psychologists Settle Torture Case Acknowledging Abuses," 17 Aug. 2017
Lorde's sophomore album Melodrama was all about interrogating yourself, in all your flaws and glory, all through the lens of the ubiquitous house party.

— lilian min, Cosmopolitan, "Lorde’s "Perfect Place" Is An Island With No Other People On It And YES, SAME," 4 Aug. 2017
As officers were interrogating her, Hampton reached into her pant leg and pushed a white balloon on to the floor, the affidavit said.

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "Miss Kentucky 2011 accused of smuggling drugs into Ohio prison," 20 July 2017
Through broken English, Bryan’s mom interrogates Rachel.

— abby draper, baltimoresun.com, "'Bachelorette' recap: Hometown dates bring Rachel to Baltimore," 18 July 2017
Many of her pieces explore and interrogate the idea of self and how that self mutates and adapts as it is viewed by others.

— jenna wortham, Bon Appetit, "This Conceptual Artist Probably Lifts Heavier Than You," 13 July 2017
A month after being interrogated and willingly giving detectives a sample of his DNA, Michael Usry was cleared—but Idaho Falls Police remained convinced that Usry was somehow related to Angie Dodge's killer.

— CBS News, "How safe is your DNA?," 12 July 2017
Another Fashion Vice vignette was shown, this time with Fandango and Tyler Breeze interrogating The Ascension.

— aaron oster, baltimoresun.com, "WWE announces the return of the Punjabi Prison," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interrogate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of interrogate

Latin interrogatus, past participle of interrogare, from inter- + rogare to ask — more at right

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

interrogate Synonyms

Synonyms

catechize, grill, inquire (of), ask, query, question, quiz

Antonyms

answer, reply, respond

Related Words

besiege, bombard, cross-examine, cross-question, examine, pump; poll, survey

Near Antonyms

rejoin, retort; comment, observe, remark; avoid, duck

Synonym Discussion of 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

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

airway, apron, corridor, dirigible, fishtail, flat-hat, vector

INTERROGATE Defined for English Language Learners

interrogate

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verb

Definition of interrogate for English Language Learners

: to ask (someone) questions in a thorough and often forceful way

INTERROGATE Defined for Kids

interrogate

play

verb in·ter·ro·gate \ in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt \

Definition of interrogate for Students

interrogated; interrogating

:to question thoroughly

Police interrogated a suspect.

Law Dictionary

interrogate

play

transitive verb in·ter·ro·gate \ in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt \

legal Definition of interrogate

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.

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