inquisition
noun
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While an inquiry can be almost any search for truth, the related word inquisition suggests a long, thorough investigation that involves extensive and harsh questioning. Though the two words originally had about the same meaning, today inquisition tends to remind us of the Spanish Inquisition, an ongoing trial conducted by church-appointed inquisitors that began in the Middle Ages and sought out nonbelievers, Jews, and Muslims, thousands of whom were sentenced to torture and to burning at the stake.
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Examples of inquisition in a Sentence
Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024
Her dark comedy The Antipodes imagines a writers’ room as an extractive inquisition with men demanding everyone spin their most personal confessions into content while munching on takeout and sipping LaCroix.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 June 2024
Before a search warrant is sought for a press room, a law office church or the office of a mental health professional, inquisition subpoenas or other available forms of investigation should be utilized.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2024
Today, Ignatius dominates his thoughts for different reasons; he was imprisoned three times by the Spanish inquisition for raising spiritual questions in public.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 25 June 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Inquisition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquisition. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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inquisition
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inquisition
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