interrogate
/ˈɪn.tər.ə.ɡeɪt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To ask someone a lot of questions, often in a forceful or official way. It can also mean to question someone closely about a crime or problem.
- Police interrogated the suspect for hours.
- The teacher interrogated me about my absence.
Adinary Nuance
Interrogate is stronger and more formal than ask or question. It often suggests pressure, authority, or a serious investigation. In everyday speech, people usually say ask or quiz unless the situation is official.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thẩm vấn
- Spanish
- interrogar
- Chinese
- 审问
- Japanese
- 尋問する
- Korean
- 심문하다
Etymology
Interrogate comes from Latin interrogare, meaning “to ask.” It entered English in the 1500s, first in formal writing and later in legal and police contexts.
Common phrases
interrogate a suspectinterrogate someone about somethingbe interrogated by police
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is interrogate formal or informal?
- It is formal and often sounds official. People use it in police, legal, or serious contexts.
- Can I use interrogate in daily conversation?
- Yes, but it may sound too strong for normal situations. For everyday talk, **ask** is usually better.
- What is the difference between interrogate and question?
- **Question** is neutral. **Interrogate** suggests a longer, tougher, or more forceful questioning.
- Is interrogate used in academic writing?
- Yes, especially when writing about police work, law, or interviews. It is common in formal English.