What does inquisition mean?
An inquisition is an investigation conducted with great thoroughness, often involving detailed or persistent questioning. The word commonly suggests scrutiny that is severe, systematic, or hostile, and it can therefore carry an accusing or critical connotation: an inquisition into someone's conduct implies that the conduct is being treated as deeply suspect. Historically, an inquisition was also a formal body that investigated heresy and enforced religious orthodoxy, most famously the Spanish Inquisition. The modern meaning grew from this older sense of formal examination and judgment. Today, the term is used both literally for exceptionally intensive investigations and figuratively to describe relentlessly probing inquiries into people, organizations, or events.
A rigorous or exhaustive investigation, especially one involving detailed or persistent questioning.
"The newspaper conducted an inquisition into the politician's private finances."
Often critical in modern use, implying that the investigation is excessive, hostile, or intrusive.
A historical tribunal or institution that investigated suspected heresy and enforced religious doctrine, especially the Spanish Inquisition.
"The accused was tried by the Inquisition during the seventeenth century."
Usually capitalized when referring to a specific historical institution, particularly the Spanish Inquisition.
The plural is used for separate investigations or inquiries; historically, it can also refer collectively to multiple acts of investigation by an inquisition.
"The journalist faced repeated inquisitions about the source of the leaked documents."
The word once named a system of religious investigation; today it can turn an ordinary search for information into something far more searching and relentless.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inquisition come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin inquisitio, a noun formed from inquirere, meaning “to seek out” or “to investigate.” The same root produced English words including inquire, inquiry, and inquisitive. In medieval and early modern Europe, inquisitio was associated especially with formal investigations of religious belief and suspected heresy before acquiring its modern sense of a thorough or relentless inquiry.
Related word forms
How inquisition is actually used
In modern usage, the word often carries a critical or disapproving tone, suggesting that the investigation is excessive, relentless, or intrusive. The historical sense is normally capitalized when referring specifically to a named institution such as the Spanish Inquisition.
Easily confused with inquisition
An inquiry is generally a request for information or an investigation, while an inquisition more strongly suggests an intensive, prolonged, or severe examination.