inquisition

The definition of an inquisition is a series of questions or a severe interrogation, especially by an official source.

(noun)

An example of an inquisition was a time between 1232 and 1820 when the Catholic Church used torture and other unkind means to try to identify religious heresy.
An example of an inquisition is the thorough review into your background and the intense interrogation you are subject to when you are being investigated for a potential murder you have been accused of committing.

See inquisition in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the act of inquiring; investigation
R.C.Ch.
1. a former general tribunal established in the 13th cent. for the discovery and suppression of heresy and the punishment of heretics
2. the activities of this tribunal
1. any harsh or arbitrary suppression or punishment of dissidents or nonconformists
2. any severe or intensive questioning
Law
1. an inquest or any judicial inquiry
2. the written finding of such an inquiry

Origin: ME inquicisioun < OFr inquisition < L inquisitio < inquisitus, pp. of inquirere

Related Forms:

See inquisition in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The act of inquiring into a matter; an investigation. See Synonyms at inquiry.
Law
a. An inquest.
b. The verdict of a judicial inquiry.
a. Inquisition A tribunal formerly held in the Roman Catholic Church and directed at the suppression of heresy.
b. An investigation that violates the privacy or rights of individuals.
c. A rigorous, harsh interrogation.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English inquisicioun

Origin: , from Old French inquisicion

Origin: , from Latin inquīsītiō, inquīsītiōn-

Origin: , from inquīsītus

Origin: , past participle of inquīrere, to inquire; see inquire

Related Forms: