interrogate
Interrogate (verb) means to question someone closely and often forcefully, typically to get information out of them. Example: “Police interrogated the suspect for hours before he confessed.”
How to use interrogate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo question someone intensely, or to examine an idea critically.
Stronger and more formal than "ask" — implies pressure or a formal inquiry.
Word forms
interrogated past tense, interrogates singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Police _____ the suspect for hours before he confessed.
Etymology
From Latin interrogare, "to ask or inquire," from inter- ("between") plus rogare ("to ask").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for interrogate
See all rhymes for interrogate →Frequently asked questions
What does “interrogate” mean?
The word “interrogate” means to question someone closely and often forcefully, typically to get information out of them. In plain terms, to question someone intensely, or to examine an idea critically.
How do you pronounce “interrogate”?
“Interrogate” is pronounced ihn-TEH-ruh-gayt (/ɪnˈtɛɹəɡeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “interrogate” in a sentence?
Here is “interrogate” used in a sentence: “Police interrogated the suspect for hours before he confessed.”
What part of speech is “interrogate”?
“Interrogate” is a verb.
Where does the word “interrogate” come from?
The word “interrogate” comes from Latin. From Latin interrogare, "to ask or inquire," from inter- ("between") plus rogare ("to ask").
How many meanings does “interrogate” have?
“Interrogate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to question someone closely and often forcefully, typically to get information out of them.
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