Inquisitor: meaning, definitions and examples

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inquisitor

[ɪŋˈkwɪzɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious

An inquisitor is a person who is authorized by a church or other organization to conduct inquiries, especially to suppress heresy.

Synonyms

examiner, interrogator, investigator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inquisitor	An 'inquisitor' often has a more negative connotation, suggesting someone who is aggressively or ruthlessly questioning or investigating someone, often without regard for fairness. The journalist turned inquisitor when interviewing the scandal-ridden politician. The historical inquisitor was known for his harsh methods during the trials.
interrogator	An 'interrogator' usually refers to someone who formally questions a person, often in a law enforcement or military context, sometimes using intense methods to obtain information. The interrogator spent hours questioning the suspect to get a confession. Interrogators need to be trained to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
investigator	An 'investigator' is someone who conducts a thorough and detailed inquiry into a matter, often related to crimes, scientific research, or complex problems, aiming to uncover the truth. The private investigator was hired to find the missing person. The scientific investigator published groundbreaking findings on climate change.
examiner	An 'examiner' is typically someone who assesses or evaluates a person, their work, or a situation, often in an academic or official capacity. The examiner reviewed the students' theses meticulously. An examiner from the insurance firm evaluated the damage to the property.

Examples of usage

The inquisitor questioned the accused heretic.
The inquisitor was known for his ruthless methods in dealing with dissenters.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical

In the historical context, an inquisitor was a member of a special tribunal responsible for prosecuting offenses against the doctrine and practice of the Roman Catholic Church.

Synonyms

arbiter, judge, prosecutor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inquisitor	Typically used in historical or literary contexts to describe a person who is harshly questioning or investigating someone. Often associated with the Spanish Inquisition or similar scenarios. The word often carries a negative connotation, implying harsh or unfair treatment. The detective's relentless questioning made him feel like he was facing an inquisitor. During the medieval times, many feared the inquisitor's arrival in their village.
prosecutor	Refers to a lawyer who conducts the case against a defendant in a criminal court. This term is specific to legal contexts and has no general, neutral use outside of this framework. The prosecutor presented strong evidence proving the defendant's guilt. She aspired to become a prosecutor to fight against crime and corruption.
judge	Commonly used in legal contexts to describe a person who presides over a court and makes decisions on legal matters. It can also be used more generally for someone who makes decisions or forms opinions. The judge handed down a fair sentence after considering all the evidence. He was chosen to judge the singing competition due to his vast experience in music.
arbiter	Used to refer to a person who has the authority to resolve a dispute or make a decision. Often used in formal or legal contexts but can also apply to any situation where someone is judged to have expertise and neutrality. The art critic acted as an arbiter of taste in the community. In the contract, it was stated that an arbiter would resolve any conflicts.

Examples of usage

The Spanish Inquisition was notorious for its use of inquisitors to root out heresy.
Inquisitors were feared for their power and authority during the Middle Ages.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'inquisitor', meaning 'one who asks' or 'inquirer'.
The use of inquisitors dates back to the Middle Ages, primarily in religious contexts, to root out heresy and ensure doctrinal purity.
The Spanish Inquisition, established in the late 15th century, is one of the most infamous examples of inquisitors pursuing suspected heretics using harsh methods.

Literature

In literature, inquisitors are often portrayed as menacing figures, symbolizing relentless pursuit of justice or truth.
Famous works like 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco depict inquisitors grappling with moral and ethical dilemmas.
Dante Alighieri included figures resembling inquisitors in 'The Divine Comedy', showcasing their role in religious scrutiny and judgment.

Psychology

The term can evoke feelings of anxiety or fear, as inquisitors often represent authority figures who demand compliance and truth.
Research shows that excessive questioning from authority figures can lead to stress, influencing how individuals respond in interrogative settings.
The inquisitorial method, in legal psychology, reflects a style of questioning that aims to extract the maximum information from the subject, often used in historic trials.

Pop Culture

Inquisitors appear in various movies and TV shows, often portrayed as villains, such as in 'Star Wars', where the character of the Inquisitor hunts Jedi.
The term has influenced video games like 'The Witcher', where inquisitors play a role in the narrative, often conflicting with the protagonist.
Dramatic interpretations in theatre often exaggerate the characteristics of inquisitors to highlight themes of power and morality.

Science

In cognitive psychology, an inquisitive mind is often linked to essential traits like creativity and problem-solving ability.
Research indicates that inquisitors' questioning techniques can be utilized in educational settings to enhance critical thinking among students.
In scientific inquiry, the role of the inquisitor can be compared to a researcher who rigorously queries to gain deeper understanding and knowledge through experimentation.

Translations

Translations of the word "inquisitor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inquisidor

🇮🇳 इन्क्विज़िटर

🇩🇪 Inquisitor

🇮🇩 inkuisitor

🇺🇦 інквізитор

🇵🇱 inkwizytor

🇯🇵 審問官 (shimonkan)

🇫🇷 inquisiteur

🇪🇸 inquisidor

🇹🇷 engizitör

🇰🇷 종교 재판관 (jonggyo jaepangwan)

🇸🇦 مفتش

🇨🇿 inkvizitor

🇸🇰 inkvizítor

🇨🇳 审问员 (shěnwènyuán)

🇸🇮 inkvizitor

🇮🇸 rannsóknardómari

🇰🇿 дін тексеруші

🇬🇪 ინკვიზიტორი

🇦🇿 inkvizitor

🇲🇽 inquisidor

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,004, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28001 buckram
28002 libation
28003 freaked
28004 inquisitor
28005 nostrum
28006 predeceased
28007 galore
...