Interrogate
/ɪnˈtɛr.ə.ɡeɪt/noun
To ask questions of someone, especially in a thorough or aggressive manner.
Did you know?In medieval times, interrogation was often linked with torture, as interrogators believed that pain could extract the hidden truths of the soul.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reg-
“to rule, lead, or direct, often in a commanding manner.”
Latin
Latin
interrogare
“to ask, question, literally 'to ask between'.”
Old French
Old French
interroger
“to ask questions formally, especially in a legal context.”
15th Century
Middle English
interrogaten
“to pose questions, especially for information or investigation.”
Modern English
English
interrogate
“to formally question someone, particularly in a legal or investigative setting.”
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