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

During interrogation, detectives kicked the men in their legs and genitals and punched them in the head, according to the lawsuit. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025

The individual was said to have confessed during interrogation. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

The pursuit of an answer results in a heady, often surreal interrogation of whether true sincerity is possible, especially for someone known for anything but. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025

During one interrogation, MBI Lt. Heath Farish repeatedly suggested Jordan had a weapon. —Jon Schuppe, NBC news, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing interrogation

• interrogation point

Rhymes for interrogation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration