Meaning
To interrogate means to question someone thoroughly and often aggressively, especially by police, military, or authority figures, in order to obtain information or a confession.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb (transitive)
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Verb forms: interrogate – interrogated – interrogating
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Structure:
- interrogate + object (someone)
- interrogate someone about something
Example pattern:
The detective interrogated the suspect about the robbery.
It is often used in formal or official contexts like law enforcement or intelligence.
Common Phrases
- interrogate a suspect
- interrogate a witness
- interrogate someone about their motives
- be subjected to interrogation
- intense interrogation
Collocations
- verbs: conduct / carry out / face / endure interrogation
- adjectives: intense / lengthy / police / military interrogation
- nouns: interrogation room, interrogation report, interrogation tactics
Examples
- The police interrogated the man for several hours.
- She felt as if her parents were interrogating her about her private life.
- The journalist was interrogated by security officers at the airport.
- The suspect was subjected to a long and exhausting interrogation.
- The officer interrogated him about the missing documents.
- He refused to answer any questions during the interrogation.
- The committee will interrogate the minister regarding the misuse of funds.
- The spy was interrogated under bright lights in a cold room.
Synonyms or Related
- question
- examine
- grill
- probe
- cross-examine
- debrief
Antonym
- answer
- respond
- reply
