interrogate
/ɪnˈtɛr.ə.ɡeɪt/
verb
Origin
Latin
interrogare — to question, examine
Overview
Meaning Now
- To ask questions of someone, especially a suspect or prisoner, closely, aggressively, or formally.
- To retrieve data from a computer system or database.
Literal older meaning
To ask between (inter + rogare).
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
interrogat-
Earliest period
15th century
Journey
The term entered the English language during the 15th century, retaining the formal and often legalistic connotation associated with the Latin 'interrogare', which was used in judicial settings to conduct witness examinations.
Evolution
- Latin
interrogare
“to question thoroughly”
- Old French
interroger
“to question”
- Early Modern English
interrogate
“to examine formally”
Spelling stabilized based on Latin root
Connections
Word parts
inter-
prefix
between, among
rog-
root
to ask
-ate
suffix
verbal suffix
Related across languages
French
interroger
to question
Spanish
interrogar
to interrogate
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Related to interrogate
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.