inquisition

UK:^*^*UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations'inquisition', 'Inquisition': /ˌɪŋkwɪˈzɪʃ^ən/

US:USA pronunciation: IPAUSA pronunciation: IPA/ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən, ˌɪŋ-/

US:USA pronunciation: respellingUSA pronunciation: respelling(in′kwə zish′ən, ing′-)

in•qui•si•tion /ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən, ˌɪŋ-/USA pronunciation n. [countable]

an official investigation lacking regard for individual rights and showing prejudice on the part of the examiners.
any harsh, difficult, or prolonged questioning.

in•quis•i•tor /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɚ,ɪŋ-/USA pronunciation n. [countable]The chief inquisitor badgered his witnesses.See -quis-.

in•qui•si•tion (in′kwə zish′ən, ing′-),USA pronunciation n.

an official investigation, esp. one of a political or religious nature, characterized by lack of regard for individual rights, prejudice on the part of the examiners, and recklessly cruel punishments.
any harsh, difficult, or prolonged questioning.
the act of inquiring;
inquiry;
research.
an investigation, or process of inquiry.
a judicial or official inquiry.
the finding of such an inquiry.
the document embodying the result of such inquiry.
Religion(cap.) [Rom. Cath. Ch.]
- a former special tribunal, engaged chiefly in combating and punishing heresy. Cf. Holy Office.
- See Spanish Inquisition.

Latin inquīsītiōn- (stem of inquīsītiō), equivalent. to inquīsīt(us) past participle of inquīrere to inquire + -iōn- -ion
Middle English inquisicio(u)n 1350–1400

in′qui•si′tion•al, adj.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

inquisition /ˌɪnkwɪˈzɪʃən/ n

the act of inquiring deeply or searchingly; investigation
a deep or searching inquiry, esp a ruthless official investigation of individuals in order to suppress revolt or root out the unorthodox
an official inquiry, esp one held by a jury before an officer of the Crown
another word for inquest

Etymology: 14th Century: from legal Latin inquīsītiō, from inquīrere to seek for; see inquireˌinquiˈsitional adj ˌinquiˈsitionist n

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

Inquisition /ˌɪnkwɪˈzɪʃən/ n

a judicial institution of the Roman Catholic Church (1232–1820) founded to discover and suppress heresy

'inquisition' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):

🗣️Forum discussions with the word(s) "inquisition" in the title:

inquisition
misty inquisition
Social inquisition
The Spanish inquisition

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