inquisition

//ˌɪnkwɪˈzɪʃən//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of inquisition

Noun

inquisitionSingular
inquisitionsPlural
1

A period of prolonged and intensive questioning or investigation.

The job interview felt like an inquisition with all those difficult questions.

2

(historical) A judicial institution established by the Roman Catholic Church to discover and suppress heresy.

The Spanish Inquisition was established in 1478 to maintain Catholic orthodoxy.

3

A harsh or oppressive investigation or examination.

The job interview felt like an inquisition, with the panel asking relentless personal questions.