verb
C2
Proficient
interrogate
ihn-TEH-ruh-gayt
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.”
verb
1
To question someone closely and often forcefully, typically to get information out of them.
"Police interrogated the suspect for hours before he confessed."
"The teacher interrogated the students about who had broken the window."
2
To examine something closely and critically.
"The report interrogates the assumptions behind the company's growth forecasts."
How to use interrogate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo question someone intensely, or to examine an idea critically.
When to use it
Stronger and more formal than "ask" — implies pressure or a formal inquiry.
Common pairings
interrogate a suspect
interrogate a witness
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- interrogates
- Past tense
- interrogated
Fill the gap
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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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