interrogate
verb
in·ter·ro·gate
in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt 
-ˈte-rə-
interrogated; interrogating
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
Synonyms
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
Fadden, however, was apprehended and brought to Hutchinson where he was interrogated and confessed.
—
Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
James and other Black characters code switch when white characters are present; on his own, James interrogates philosophers like Voltaire for his repugnant views on slavery.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
The study interrogates what is known as the epigenetic clock theory.
—New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
To not have, earlier in our assigning process, decided to interrogate the fraught and fractured gender dynamics of wealth accumulation, of corporate influence, of power.
—Katie Drummond, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for interrogate 
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Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
James and other Black characters code switch when white characters are present; on his own, James interrogates philosophers like Voltaire for his repugnant views on slavery.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
The study interrogates what is known as the epigenetic clock theory.
—New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
To not have, earlier in our assigning process, decided to interrogate the fraught and fractured gender dynamics of wealth accumulation, of corporate influence, of power.
—Katie Drummond, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for interrogate
Dictionary Entries Near interrogate
Cite this Entry
“Interrogate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interrogate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interrogate
verb
in·ter·ro·gate
in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt
interrogated; interrogating
: to question formally and thoroughly
interrogator
noun
-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt-ər
Legal Definition
interrogate
transitive verb
in·ter·ro·gate
in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt
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.
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