What does interrogate mean?
Interrogate is a formal verb meaning to question someone closely and systematically, as investigators question a witness or suspect. It can also mean to examine a source of information in detail, as when software interrogates a database or a device probes a signal. The word often suggests sustained questioning intended to uncover facts, though the method need not be aggressive. In technical contexts, it describes structured analysis rather than personal questioning. Its familiar form in everyday speech is more specific than the general verb question, while cross-examine is a closer alternative when the questioning is part of a formal legal or investigative process. Interrogate is useful because it captures both the act of persistent inquiry and the careful examination of information.
verbTo question someone closely and systematically, especially in an official investigation. It can also mean to examine data, a signal, or a system in detail to obtain information.
- To question someone closely and systematically, especially in an official investigation.
- To examine information, data, a signal, or a system carefully in order to determine its contents or meaning.
"The investigators spent the afternoon interrogating the witness about the events of the night."
"Detectives interrogated the suspect for several hours."
"The software uses a series of queries to interrogate the database and identify unusual patterns."
Interrogate comes from the Latin interrogare, literally “to ask between” or “to question thoroughly,” and its modern use ranges from courtroom questioning to the systematic examination of encrypted data.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interrogate come from?
Interrogate derives from Latin interrogare, formed from inter-, meaning “between” or “among,” and rogare, meaning “to ask.” In Latin, the word developed the sense of questioning a person, especially under examination. Its English descendants include interrogative, interrogation, and interrogator, while related Latin formations include words such as derogate. Modern technical senses developed from the broader idea of examining or drawing information from a source.
Related word forms
How interrogate is actually used
The word is formal in ordinary use and often suggests persistent, detailed questioning. In computing and signal processing, it is technical and means to analyze or extract information from a source.
Easily confused with interrogate
Interrogate means to question closely or examine information; interrogatory means relating to questioning, while an interrogator is a person or device that asks questions.
Interrogating involves questioning someone, whereas intimidating means making someone feel frightened or threatened.