interrogate
verb
in·ter·ro·gate
in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt 
-ˈte-rə-
interrogated; interrogating
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
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
But the thing that the film genuinely interrogates is such an important problem to interrogate, and journalists play, if not the most important part, one of the most important parts in public discourse.
—
Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
The fiction writer must craft lies to probe and interrogate the essence of truth and reality.
—Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
Unfortunately for everyone involved, the crime occurred during a big state dinner, which means Cordelia has 157 suspects to interrogate while on the look out for evidence throughout 132 rooms.
—Photo: Courtesy Of Warner Bros. Pictures., refinery29.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Many of the healthcare workers said they were interrogated about Israeli hostages, tunnels, weapons, hospitals and Hamas’ activity – some for up to 12 hours and while being beaten or hung from the ceiling.
—Sana Noor Haq, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interrogate
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Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
The fiction writer must craft lies to probe and interrogate the essence of truth and reality.
—Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
Unfortunately for everyone involved, the crime occurred during a big state dinner, which means Cordelia has 157 suspects to interrogate while on the look out for evidence throughout 132 rooms.
—Photo: Courtesy Of Warner Bros. Pictures., refinery29.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Many of the healthcare workers said they were interrogated about Israeli hostages, tunnels, weapons, hospitals and Hamas’ activity – some for up to 12 hours and while being beaten or hung from the ceiling.
—Sana Noor Haq, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interrogate
Cite this Entry
“Interrogate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interrogate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interrogate
verb
in·ter·ro·gate
in-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt
interrogated; interrogating
: to question formally and thoroughly
interrogator
noun
-ˈter-ə-ˌgāt-ər
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.
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