inquisition

Meanings

1. An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter.
2. Such an investigation that is asserted to be persecutory by its adversaries.
3. An inquest.
4. A questioning.
5. The finding of a jury, especially such a finding under a writ of inquiry.

1. To make inquisition concerning; to inquire into.

1. A tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church set up to investigate and suppress heresy.
2. A harsh or rigorous interrogation that violates one’s rights.

Etymology

From Old French inquisicion, from Latin inquisitio, from inquirere. The sense implying persecution is influenced by the name of the Spanish Inquisition, which is a cardinal exemplar of government inquisitions that give inquisitions a bad name.

Translations