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
During an interrogation with Detroit police, Frazier admitted to killing Brown.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
The Wehrmacht will gain access to the Terror Battlegroup that uses psychological warfare to weaken its enemies — abilities like field interrogations, the Stuka's Jericho Trumpet, and V1 rocket strikes will be at its disposal.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
As surveillance and interrogation deepen, the line between loyalty and obsession blurs, leading both men into a dangerous and uncontrollable connection.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025
Related article Israel’s military releases interrogation video in bid to defend assault on Gaza hospitals
The toddler’s arms and right leg have turned black with gangrene.
—Jomana Karadsheh, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for interrogation 
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Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
The Wehrmacht will gain access to the Terror Battlegroup that uses psychological warfare to weaken its enemies — abilities like field interrogations, the Stuka's Jericho Trumpet, and V1 rocket strikes will be at its disposal.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
As surveillance and interrogation deepen, the line between loyalty and obsession blurs, leading both men into a dangerous and uncontrollable connection.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025
Related article Israel’s military releases interrogation video in bid to defend assault on Gaza hospitals
The toddler’s arms and right leg have turned black with gangrene.
—Jomana Karadsheh, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
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 21 Feb. 2025.
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