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
The interrogation record notes that the deed was soon accomplished by one of Sharatha’s brothers: their sister was found dead in the Strip.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2024
After weeks, sometimes months, in detention, those who are later alleged to have militant links are typically transferred into the Israeli prison system; others are released without charge, often after weeks of abuse and interrogation, according to the testimony of former detainees.
—Miriam Berger, Washington Post, 29 July 2024
These measures aim to dismantle the barriers that have historically led to wrongful convictions by mandating clearer Miranda warnings, prohibiting deceptive interrogation tactics, and insisting that interrogations be recorded.
—Kerry Kennedy, New York Daily News, 24 July 2024
Fitzgerald demanded during his first interrogation of Dahl, according to the transcripts.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for interrogation 
David Remnick, The New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2024
After weeks, sometimes months, in detention, those who are later alleged to have militant links are typically transferred into the Israeli prison system; others are released without charge, often after weeks of abuse and interrogation, according to the testimony of former detainees.
—Miriam Berger, Washington Post, 29 July 2024
These measures aim to dismantle the barriers that have historically led to wrongful convictions by mandating clearer Miranda warnings, prohibiting deceptive interrogation tactics, and insisting that interrogations be recorded.
—Kerry Kennedy, New York Daily News, 24 July 2024
Fitzgerald demanded during his first interrogation of Dahl, according to the transcripts.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for interrogation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interrogation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near interrogation
Cite this Entry
“Interrogation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interrogation. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share