1 interrogate | Definition of interrogate
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interrogate

verb
in·​ter·​ro·​gate | \ in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt How to pronounce interrogate (audio) , -ˈte-rə-\
interrogated; interrogating

Definition of interrogate

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
Other Words from interrogate Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about interrogate

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Other Words from interrogate

interrogatee \ in-​ˌter-​ə-​(ˌ)gā-​ˈtē How to pronounce interrogatee (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for interrogate

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

answer, reply, respond

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of interrogate in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

 He has been repeatedly interrogated and asked to reveal his sources by police. — Time Staff, Time, "Here Are the 10 ‘Most Urgent’ Violations of Press Freedom Around the World," 1 Aug. 2019 He was interrogated pretty harshly by our special agent. — CBS News, ""To the families we owe justice": Inside NCIS' relentless quest to solve two cold case murders of Navy dependents," 3 July 2019 The teen who had never been in trouble with the law was interrogated for more than seven hours without a lawyer, family member, or food. — Michelle Malkin, National Review, "From Convicted Murderer to Exoneree to Law Grad," 5 June 2019 She was interrogated by the Gestapo 14 times and tortured, her back scorched with a red-hot poker and all of her toenails pulled out. — Elizabeth Winkler, WSJ, "‘Code Name: Lise’ Review: The War’s Most Decorated Woman," 11 Jan. 2019 But Her Story was tight and focused to the point of practical claustrophobia; every scene involved one actress whose character was interrogated in a single, mostly empty room over the course of a few in-game days. — Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, "Telling Lies takes an intimate, expansive view of interactive storytelling," 23 Aug. 2019 While being interrogated, the police show him his old bike lock that was found in Bryce's room with his name on the lock. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "What Every Doodle in the "13 Reasons Why" Season 3 Opening Credits Mean," 22 Aug. 2019 The men were bound with cable ties and interrogated by a swarm of angry protesters who prevented paramedics from providing care. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, "Protesters Return to Hong Kong Airport to Apologize for Flight Chaos," 14 Aug. 2019 Police have said the pair accused one another for the stabbing when separately interrogated, but added that Elder admitted to being the owner of a knife found in their hotel room. — NBC News, "Italian says he was threatened by Americans accused of policeman's murder," 1 Aug. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of interrogate

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for interrogate

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

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More Definitions for interrogate

interrogate

verb
How to pronounce interrogate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of interrogate

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

See the full definition for interrogate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

interrogate

verb
in·​ter·​ro·​gate | \ in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt How to pronounce interrogate (audio) \
interrogated; interrogating

Kids Definition of interrogate

: to question thoroughly Police interrogated a suspect.

interrogate

transitive verb
in·​ter·​ro·​gate | \ in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt How to pronounce interrogate (audio) \
interrogated; interrogating

Legal Definition of interrogate

: 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.

Other Words from interrogate

interrogation \ in-​ˌter-​ə-​ˈgā-​shən How to pronounce interrogation (audio) \ noun
interrogator \ in-​ˈter-​ə-​ˌgā-​tər How to pronounce interrogator (audio) \ noun

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