What does interrogation mean?
Interrogation is the act of questioning someone intensively, especially by police, investigators, or another authority seeking detailed information. In its most familiar sense, it refers to a formal interrogation of a suspect, detainee, or witness, where questions may be repeated, responses challenged, and inconsistencies examined. The word can also be used more broadly for any process of systematic questioning, such as an interrogation of evidence, an idea, or a dataset. Although “questioning” and “inquiry” can describe gentler or more neutral activities, “interrogation” often suggests pressure, scrutiny, or confrontation. It is therefore especially useful when describing a forceful attempt to uncover facts or expose contradictions.
A thorough or formal questioning of someone, especially by police or another authority, to obtain information.
"The interrogation of the suspect was recorded and reviewed by investigators."
This is the dominant legal and journalistic sense. It often implies sustained, rigorous, or adversarial questioning.
The process of examining a subject through systematic questions.
"The interviewer's interrogation of the documents uncovered a discrepancy in the account."
In academic, analytical, and general contexts, the term can be used less adversarially, but it remains more formal than “questioning.”
The plural is used for separate acts or instances of questioning.
"The report described several interrogations conducted over the course of the investigation."
Interrogation has a legal life of its own: the right to remain silent exists partly because the power of sustained questioning can be intimidating.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interrogation come from?
Interrogation comes from Latin interrogatio, a noun meaning “questioning” or “inquiry,” formed from interrogar, “to question” or “to ask.” The word entered English in the late medieval period and was initially associated with formal questioning and legal examination. Its related forms, including interrogate, interrogative, and interrogator, preserve the same Latin root and its sense of seeking or posing questions.
Related word forms
How interrogation is actually used
In legal and news contexts, the word usually suggests questioning by police or other officials and often carries an implication of pressure or confrontation. In academic or analytical contexts, it can be used more neutrally for systematic questioning or examination.
Easily confused with interrogation
An inquiry is generally a request for information or an investigation, whereas an interrogation usually implies intensive, often adversarial questioning of a person.