WordGarden.iointerrogate
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪntˈɛrəɡˌeɪt/
US
- /ˌɪnˈtɛrəˌɡeɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to question someone closely or forcefully, especially in an official investigation
to examine an idea, text, claim, or evidence critically
to query a computer system, device, or database for information
Beyond the definition
Imagine a detective in a movie: they do not just ask a few casual questions, they press for clear answers. That is the heart of interrogate. It means to question someone closely and often formally, usually to get information or uncover the truth. It sounds stronger and more serious than simply having a conversation.
You might hear about police interrogating a suspect, but the word can also be used more widely. Someone can interrogate data by studying facts and numbers very carefully. A scientist might interrogate the results of an experiment to understand what really happened. So while the word often appears in legal or official settings, it can also describe a deep and careful examination of information.
To interrogate means to ask questions in a detailed and searching way, usually to gather information or find out the truth. It carries more weight than simply "asking." An interrogation is often formal, systematic, and sometimes intense. Think of detectives questioning a suspect in a crime drama: they are not just chatting, they are trying to get clear answers.
Historically, "interrogate" comes from Latin roots meaning "to ask," but over time it developed the more specific sense of official or thorough questioning. This is most commonly seen in legal or investigative contexts: police interrogate suspects, officers interrogate detainees, and investigators interrogate witnesses or people connected to an event.
However, the word is not limited to law enforcement. You can also interrogate data, meaning to study it closely and thoroughly to uncover patterns or insights. A scientist might interrogate experimental results, or an analyst might interrogate market trends. In these cases, the "questioning" happens through careful examination rather than spoken inquiry.
It is also worth noting that, when the word refers to questioning people, it can carry a serious tone. Interrogation is often linked with pressure, authority, and official investigation. Because of that, the word can sound more formal or more severe than simpler choices such as "ask" or "question."
So whether you picture a tense police interview or a careful analysis of evidence, to interrogate is to subject someone or something to close, purposeful questioning or examination in search of answers.
Examples
- 1
Police questioning
The detectives interrogated the suspect for three hours.
- 2
Crime details
They interrogated him about where he had been that night.
- 3
Press criticism
After the match, reporters interrogated the coach over his decision to change the team.
- Patterninterrogate someone over + issue
question them strongly, often critically
- 4
Personal questions
Please don't interrogate me the minute I walk in the door.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Critical thinking
Good researchers interrogate their own assumptions, not just other people's claims.
- Patterninterrogate an idea or assumption
examine it carefully and critically
- 6
Data analysis
The analyst used the software to interrogate the sales data.
- Domainin data analysis, interrogate data
search and study it closely
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- interrogate a suspect
- interrogate a witness
- interrogate someone about something
Word family
Explore
- investigation
- coercive questioning
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- interrogateverb
Forms
- interrogatedpast tenseverb
- interrogating-ing formverb
- interrogatesverb