noun
Uncommon
inquest
IHNGK-wehst
Inquest (noun) means a formal legal investigation, especially into the cause of a death. Example: “The coroner opened an inquest into the factory accident.”
noun
1
A formal legal investigation, especially into the cause of a death.
"The inquest on keeper Davidson was duly held, and at the commencement seemed likely to cause Tony Palliser less anxiety than he had expected."
— Harold Bindloss (1907)
"The coroner opened an inquest into the factory accident."
"An inquest ruled that the death was accidental."
How to use inquest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn official investigation, usually into how or why someone died.
Common pairings
open an inquest
inquest into
coroner inquest
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Word forms
- Plural
- inquests
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The coroner opened an _____ into the factory accident.
Etymology
From Old French enqueste, from Latin inquirere, "to inquire into" — ultimately in- plus quaerere, "to seek."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for inquest
See all rhymes for inquest →Frequently asked questions
What does “inquest” mean?
The word “inquest” means a formal legal investigation, especially into the cause of a death. In plain terms, an official investigation, usually into how or why someone died.
How do you pronounce “inquest”?
“Inquest” is pronounced IHNGK-wehst (/ˈɪŋkwɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “inquest” in a sentence?
Here is “inquest” used in a sentence: “The coroner opened an inquest into the factory accident.”
What is another word for “inquest”?
Words with a similar meaning to “inquest” include inquisition.
What part of speech is “inquest”?
“Inquest” is a noun.
Where does the word “inquest” come from?
The word “inquest” comes from Latin. From Old French enqueste, from Latin inquirere, "to inquire into" — ultimately in- plus quaerere, "to seek.".
Is “inquest” a common word?
“Inquest” is an uncommon word in modern English.
