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)
The 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
Lombardo Palacios confessed to murder following hours of interrogation that employed pressure tactics many experts now say are unreliable.
—Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
The investigation into Gary’s stabbing began with an episode devoted almost entirely to interrogations, which served to fully recap the events of the series thus far — from Karen’s salon burning down to Sabrina’s wrongful conviction.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 16 Oct. 2024
Estela’s duties include cleaning, cooking, and—most important—taking care of the couple’s daughter; the novel consists of her recollection, delivered in an interrogation room, of the events leading up to the daughter’s untimely death.
—The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
After a 30-minute interrogation, the border agent looked at her again and asked her to spell her last name.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for interrogation 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
The investigation into Gary’s stabbing began with an episode devoted almost entirely to interrogations, which served to fully recap the events of the series thus far — from Karen’s salon burning down to Sabrina’s wrongful conviction.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 16 Oct. 2024
Estela’s duties include cleaning, cooking, and—most important—taking care of the couple’s daughter; the novel consists of her recollection, delivered in an interrogation room, of the events leading up to the daughter’s untimely death.
—The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
After a 30-minute interrogation, the border agent looked at her again and asked her to spell her last name.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for interrogation
Dictionary Entries Near interrogation
Cite this Entry
“Interrogation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interrogation. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share