Dictionary entries for 'inquisition'

Synonyms

inquest
inquiry
investigation
probe
research

in·qui·si·tion (ĭńkwĭ-zĭsh́ən, ĭnǵ-)

[Middle English inquisicioun, from Old French inquisicion, from Latin inquīsītiō, inquīsītiōn-, from inquīsītus past participle of inquīrere, to inquire; see inquire.]

noun

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

derivatives

ińqui·sítion·al: adjective

noun

derivatives

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition