Interrogate: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used in formal or legal situations where someone is being questioned rigorously, typically by law enforcement or authority figures. It can imply a serious and intense inquiry.

• The detectives had to interrogate the suspect for hours to find out the truth.
• She felt intimidated when they started to interrogate her about the stolen documents.

This is a general term that can be used in a variety of situations, from casual to formal, where someone is seeking information or clarification.

• Can I question you about your recent trip?
• The teacher encouraged the students to question what they did not understand.

Used in formal or specialized contexts, especially in science, medicine, or investigations, to describe a thorough and careful examination or questioning. It suggests a deep and detailed inquiry.

• The researchers will probe into the causes of the disease.
• The journalist probed further into the company’s financial dealings.

This word is used informally to describe a situation where someone is asking intense or aggressive questions, often to make the other person uncomfortable. It can carry a slightly negative or confrontational connotation.

• The reporters began to grill the politician about the recent scandal.
• He felt like he was being grilled during the job interview.

This word is used in informal contexts and is associated more with short tests or playful questioning. It's often used in educational settings or friendly situations.

• The teacher will quiz the students on the material covered in class.
• They decided to quiz each other on general knowledge for fun.

Used typically in law enforcement, military, or intelligence settings when someone is questioned formally and often for an extended period. It suggests a serious or intense situation.

• The police officer had to interrogate the suspect about his whereabouts on the night of the crime.
• In spy movies, characters are often interrogated to extract confidential information.

Used informally to describe a situation where someone is asked many tough questions, often in a critical or accusatory manner. It has a slightly negative connotation.

• The journalist grilled the politician about the recent scandal.
• After coming home late, she was grilled by her parents about where she had been.

A general term used in many contexts where someone seeks information or clarification from another person. It is neutral and can be formal or informal.

• The doctor questioned the patient about their symptoms.
• Teachers encourage students to question things they don't understand.

Commonly used in legal contexts, particularly in a courtroom, when a lawyer questions a witness from the opposing side to challenge their testimony.

• The defense attorney will cross-examine the prosecution’s key witness next.
• Witnesses can get flustered during a rigorous cross-examination.

Typically used in educational settings but can also be used informally to describe a situation where someone is asked a series of questions to test their knowledge. It is usually light-hearted or less formal.

• The teacher quizzed the students on their homework reading.
• She quizzed her friend about the details of the surprise party.

This word is most often used in legal or police contexts where someone is being formally questioned, usually because they are suspected of being involved in a crime. It has a slightly negative connotation because it implies pressure and formality.

• The detective will interrogate the suspect to get more information about the case

This is a general term for asking questions and can be used in many different situations, both formal and informal. It does not carry a strong negative connotation.

• The teacher's questioning helped the students understand the topic better

This term is specifically used in legal settings, particularly during trials, where a lawyer asks questions to a witness who has already given testimony, to challenge the credibility of their statements.

• During the cross-examination, the defense lawyer questioned the witness's account of the events

This word implies intense and sometimes aggressive questioning, often used in informal settings. It has a strong negative connotation and suggests that the person being questioned is under a lot of pressure.

• After the scandal broke, the journalist gave the politician a real grilling during the interview