interrogate

verb

in·​ter·​ro·​gate in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt How to pronounce interrogate (audio)
-ˈte-rə-
interrogated; interrogating
Synonyms of interrogate

transitive verb

1
: to question formally and systematically
2
: to give or send out a signal to (a device, such as a transponder) for triggering an appropriate response
interrogatee
in-ˌter-ə-(ˌ)gā-ˈtē How to pronounce interrogate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of interrogate

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ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information.

ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions.

began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

Examples of interrogate in a Sentence

interrogate a prisoner of war interrogated him about where he'd gone the night before
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An interesting collective approach to American history was PRX Productions’ provocative series Monumental, in which features by a range of independent producers interrogated the history as reflected in public monuments. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Peacock is preparing to celebrate the cultural influence of The Wendy Williams Show and to interrogate the role of fame in its end. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026 Back in 1985 in the Soviet Union, Merryl Goldberg was interrogated by the KGB three times, briefly kidnapped by the state security agency twice and put under house arrest once. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 But the best films of the genre, including these eight superb entries, generally interrogate rather than reinforce that mythology. — David Faris, TheWeek, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interrogate

Word History

Etymology

Latin interrogatus, past participle of interrogare, from inter- + rogare to ask — more at right

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interrogate was in the 15th century

Rhymes for interrogate

See All Rhymes for interrogate

Browse Nearby Words

interrogant
interrogate
interrogatingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interrogate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interrogate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

interrogate

verb
in·​ter·​ro·​gate in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt How to pronounce interrogate (audio)
interrogated; interrogating
: to question formally and thoroughly
interrogation
-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce interrogate (audio)
noun
interrogator
-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt-ər
noun

Legal Definition

interrogate

transitive verb
in·​ter·​ro·​gate in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt How to pronounce interrogate (audio)
interrogated; interrogating
: to question formally and systematically
especially : to gather information from (a suspect) by means that are reasonably likely to elicit incriminating responses see also miranda rights

Note: Under Rhode Island v. Innis, 446 U.S. 291 (1980), interrogating includes not just express questioning, but also any words or actions that the police should know are reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response. Asking questions that are normally asked in the course of arrest or booking (such as questions about name or age) is not considered interrogation.

interrogation
in-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce interrogate (audio)
noun
interrogator
in-ˈter-ə-ˌgā-tər How to pronounce interrogate (audio)
noun
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