interrogate

verb

in·​ter·​ro·​gate in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt 

-ˈte-rə-

interrogated; interrogating

transitive verb

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

interrogatee

in-ˌter-ə-(ˌ)gā-ˈtē 

noun

Synonyms of interrogate

• ask
• question

Choose the Right Synonym for interrogate

ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information.

ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions.

began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

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

At least one copy fell into the hands of the Gestapo, which was hunting for Seghers and interrogating her associates. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

She was interrogated and warned that a second offense meant prison. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026

Maybe that’s the point — the film seeks to interrogate Mark’s narcissism — but every interaction feels like it’s been flattened into a series of predictable accusations instead of something that might provoke surprise or reflection. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026

Intelligence officers transported him to a camp controlled by Colombia’s FARC guerrilla organization, where he was interrogated and tortured over approximately two days, according to the charges. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin interrogatus, past participle of interrogare, from inter- + rogare to ask — more at right

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interrogate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Kids Definition

interrogate

verb

in·​ter·​ro·​gate in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt 

interrogated; interrogating

: to question formally and thoroughly

interrogation

-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən 

noun

interrogator

-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt-ər

noun

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.

interrogation

in-ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən 

noun

interrogator

in-ˈter-ə-ˌgā-tər 

noun