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)
A transponder will send an identifying coded signal in response to a transmitted interrogation …—Jim Sparks
Jim SparksThe 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
As Clark spins his story in the interrogation room, suspicion starts to shift to Floyd’s wife, Carol Love-Smernitch (Linda Cardellini).
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
This type of autonomous interrogation is feasible, aligns with AI companies’ business models and has raised concern among regulators.
—Brian Jay Tang, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
The lawyer noted the statement could be suppressed in court if it was obtained through leading questions, a prolonged interrogation, or coercive tactics.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Rather than rehearse soothing representations of bodies or objects, the artist channeled crises both personal and political into an interrogation of representation in and on its own terms.
—Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interrogation
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Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
This type of autonomous interrogation is feasible, aligns with AI companies’ business models and has raised concern among regulators.
—Brian Jay Tang, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
The lawyer noted the statement could be suppressed in court if it was obtained through leading questions, a prolonged interrogation, or coercive tactics.
—Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Rather than rehearse soothing representations of bodies or objects, the artist channeled crises both personal and political into an interrogation of representation in and on its own terms.
—Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interrogation
Cite this Entry
“Interrogation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interrogation. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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