interrogation
noun
in·ter·ro·ga·tion
in-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən 
plural interrogations
: the act of interrogating someone or something: such as
a
: a formal and systematic questioning
She conducted a skillful interrogation of the witness.
It was old-fashioned interrogation and eavesdropping that first led U.S. intelligence agents to the … plotters.—
Michael Isikoff
Michael IsikoffAnd during interrogation, instead of just listening for inconsistencies in what is said, agents are being taught to look for minute physical reactions on the faces of people being questioned.—Ann Davis et al.
Ann Davis et al.
b
: the sending of an electronic signal intended to trigger a particular response from something (such as a transponder)
A transponder will send an identifying coded signal in response to a transmitted interrogation …—Jim Sparks
Jim SparksThe airborne equipment measures the time between the interrogation and the return signal, and converts this time measurement into a mileage reading on our instrument panel, on either a dial or digital counter.—Joseph W. Benkert
Joseph W. BenkertExamples of interrogation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kotb’s interview contrasts with a similar interrogation NBC News held with another anchor trying to chart a return.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
The curriculum also includes resistance techniques aimed at helping troops endure interrogation and psychological pressure if captured.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
The framework tying the system of mass fraud together was detailed in police interrogations, according to the outlet, which reported that hospitals shell out 20% to 25% of the insurance money to trekking businesses and 20% to 25% to chopper rescue operators in return for patient referrals.
—Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Arguably the most important filmmaker to come out of Israel in several generations and a major presence on the world-cinema scene, Lapid specializes in character studies and constant interrogations of the way that power structures (social, national, global) shape lives.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interrogation
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Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
The curriculum also includes resistance techniques aimed at helping troops endure interrogation and psychological pressure if captured.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
The framework tying the system of mass fraud together was detailed in police interrogations, according to the outlet, which reported that hospitals shell out 20% to 25% of the insurance money to trekking businesses and 20% to 25% to chopper rescue operators in return for patient referrals.
—Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Arguably the most important filmmaker to come out of Israel in several generations and a major presence on the world-cinema scene, Lapid specializes in character studies and constant interrogations of the way that power structures (social, national, global) shape lives.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interrogation
Cite this Entry
“Interrogation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interrogation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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