interrogate
in-TAIR-uh-geyt
/ɪnˈtɛrəɡeɪt/
To question someone formally, systematically, and often aggressively, typically as part of an official investigation.
Implies an imbalance of power, such as police questioning a suspect or military officers questioning a prisoner.
The story behind the word. The word travels back to the Roman legal system, where 'interrogare' meant to formally question a witness or defendant. The prefix 'inter-' suggests a back-and-forth exchange, while 'rogare' is the same root that gives us arrogant (claiming too much for oneself) and prerogative (a special right asked for). Over the centuries, it retained its heavy, official, and slightly intimidating atmosphere.
Word relationships
- question: Question is neutral and can be casual, whereas interrogate is formal, intense, and often adversarial.
- grill: Grill is informal and colloquial, while interrogate is official and legalistic.
- answer: To provide information rather than demand it.
- reply: To respond to a question rather than initiate systematic questioning.
Commonly confused with
- interview: An interview is cooperative and structured to gather information, while an interrogation is often adversarial and designed to extract a confession or hidden truth.
Word family
- interrogation (noun): The act of questioning someone closely or aggressively.
- interrogator (noun): A person who interrogates.
- interrogative (adjective): Having the form or force of a question.
Collocations
- interrogate a suspect
- formally interrogate
- interrogate thoroughly
Example sentences
- "The detectives took turns to interrogate the suspect in the windowless room for six hours." A classic legal thriller scenario where detectives seek a confession.
- "Military intelligence officers were authorized to interrogate captured enemy combatants to locate the hidden base." A historical account of wartime intelligence gathering.
Memory hook
Imagine a suspect sitting 'in terror' at the 'gate' while detectives interrogate him. In terror at the gate.
When not to use
Do not use for casual or friendly questions; asking a coworker about their weekend is not an interrogation.
Fun facts
- In grammar, an 'interrogative sentence' is simply a sentence that asks a question, marked by a question sign.
Related words
Also appears in
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