What does "interrogation" mean?

1. (forceful questioning) the act of asking someone many questions for a long time, usually to get information or a confession. 2. (a question mark) an old word for a question mark.

How do you use "interrogation"?

Often used with the verbs 'conduct', 'undergo', or 'subject to'.

interrogation

US //ˌɪnˌtɛɹəˈɡeɪʃən// UK //ɪntˌɛɹəɡˈeɪʃən// in·ter·ro·ga·tion

1 forceful questioning (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Law

the act of asking someone many questions for a long time, usually to get information or a confession.

the formal and systematic questioning of a suspect or witness, often conducted under pressure or in a legal context.

Example

The suspect was taken to the police station for a long interrogation.

Example

After six hours of intense interrogation, the detective finally managed to uncover the inconsistencies in the witness's original statement.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'conduct', 'undergo', or 'subject to'.
2 a question mark (n.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic

an old word for a question mark.

a punctuation mark used at the end of a sentence to indicate a question.

Example

In the old manuscript, every question ended with a strange interrogation.

Example

The scribe had placed a formal interrogation at the end of the sentence to ensure the reader understood the rising intonation required.

Teacher's tip

This sense is archaic; modern speakers and writers exclusively use 'question mark'.
- question mark

Origin

From Middle English interrogacion, from Old French interrogacion, from Latin interrogātiō, from interrogō, from inter- (“between; among”) + rogō (“to ask; to request”). Equivalent to inter- + rogation or interrogate + -ion.