interrogation

noun

in·​ter·​ro·​ga·​tion in-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən 

plural interrogations

: the act of interrogating someone or something: such as

a

: a formal and systematic questioning

She conducted a skillful interrogation of the witness.

It was old-fashioned interrogation and eavesdropping that first led U.S. intelligence agents to the … plotters.

—Michael Isikoff

And during interrogation, instead of just listening for inconsistencies in what is said, agents are being taught to look for minute physical reactions on the faces of people being questioned.

—Ann Davis et al.

b

: the sending of an electronic signal intended to trigger a particular response from something (such as a transponder)

The airborne equipment measures the time between the interrogation and the return signal, and converts this time measurement into a mileage reading on our instrument panel, on either a dial or digital counter.

—Joseph W. Benkert

interrogational

in-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of interrogation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2016, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that her rights had been violated during her interrogation, the AP reports. —Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024

The show will also feature interrogation tapes and courtroom footage of the case and the latest updates. —Katie O'Brien, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024

One Ukrainian soldier captured in Zaporizhzhia in November, 2023, was tortured during interrogation. —Katya Soldak, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

State media later published a video interrogation of Mr. Rachabalizoda that shows his ear is heavily bandaged. —Paul Sonne, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2024

Video footage and still images that have surfaced on Russian social media appear to show the violent interrogation of several of the men alleged to have taken part in the terror attack. —Nathan Hodge, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024

Crime scene photos, body camera video and interrogation tapes were released a month after Franke and business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, a mental health counselor, were each sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. —CBS News, 23 Mar. 2024

Porter talked about impeachment too, as well as her forceful interrogations of Trump appointees on the House Financial Services Committee. —Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024

Dodge’s own mother becomes certain of Tapp’s innocence after watching recordings of his interrogation, sparking a yearslong search for the truth before police can question the real killer. —Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing interrogation

• interrogation point