Interrogating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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interrogating
[ɪnˈtɛrəˌɡeɪtɪŋ ]
Definition
questioning
To interrogate means to question someone thoroughly and aggressively, often in a formal setting such as a police station or courtroom. It involves asking a series of detailed questions in order to obtain information or confessions.
Synonyms
examine, grill, question, quiz.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| interrogating |
This word is typically used in formal or legal situations, especially by police or investigators, and often implies a sense of pressure or scrutiny.
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| question |
A general term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to formal inquiries, without a strong implication of intensity or formality.
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| grill |
Typically informal and often used in social or casual contexts, this word implies intense and persistent questioning, sometimes with a negative connotation.
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| examine |
This term is commonly used in medical, scientific, or academic contexts where detailed and careful observation or analysis is required.
|
| quiz |
Informally used primarily in educational settings, referring to a test or series of questions to assess knowledge or understanding on a particular topic.
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Examples of usage
- They interrogated the suspect for hours before he finally confessed.
- The detective will interrogate the witnesses to gather more information about the crime.
- The journalist was interrogated by the authorities about her sources for the article.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law Enforcement
- In criminal investigations, it's a method used by police to gather detailed accounts from witnesses or suspects.
- Techniques can vary significantly in style, from direct questioning to psychological strategies aimed at eliciting information.
Psychology
- Effective interrogating often relies on understanding human behavior and psychology, influencing how questions are framed and interpreted.
- The Reid Technique, a popular interrogation method, emphasizes building rapport before seeking confessions.
Pop Culture
- Interrogation scenes are popular in films and TV series, often portraying intense dynamics between detectives and suspects.
- Shows like 'Law & Order' and movies such as 'Zodiac' frequently depict interrogation as a key element of plot development.
Education
- In classrooms, a form of questioning known as 'Socratic questioning' encourages deeper understanding by challenging students to think critically.
- Teachers often use interrogative techniques to promote discussion and engagement, helping students to explore subjects more thoroughly.
Origin of 'interrogating'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'interrogare', meaning 'to ask' or 'to question'.
- Its roots can be broken down into 'inter' (between) and 'rogare' (to ask), highlighting the back-and-forth nature of questioning.
The word 'interrogate' originated from the Latin word 'interrogare', which means 'to ask'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Originally used in legal contexts, the term has evolved to encompass questioning in various fields, including law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and journalism.
See also: interrogation, interrogator, interrogatory.