verb

interrogate

ihn-TEH-ruh-gayt

verb

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."

To examine something closely and critically.

"The report interrogates the assumptions behind the company's growth forecasts."

How to Use Interrogate

Learner’s notes

In 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

interrogated past tense, interrogates singular

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Can you complete this real example?

Police _____ the suspect for hours before he confessed.

From Latin interrogare, "to ask or inquire," from inter- ("between") plus rogare ("to ask").

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