Inquisition — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌin-kwə-ˈzi-shən/ in·qui·si·tion

Meaning & Definition of Inquisition

Inquisition (noun)

  1. a former Roman Catholic tribunal for the discovery and punishment of heresy
  2. an investigation conducted with little regard for individual rights
  3. a severe questioning

Inquisition (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a systematic search for the truth or facts about something

    "there's no need to conduct an inquisition about so trivial a matter"

    similar: delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, investigation, probation, probe, probing, research, study
    related: quest, audit, check, checkup, diagnosis, inspection, hearing, interrogation, trial, feeler, query, question, poll, questionary, questionnaire, survey, challenge, cross-examination, going-over, grilling, quiz, rehearing, reinvestigation, self-examination, self-exploration, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, soul-searching

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Inquisition

The most common words with a similar meaning to Inquisition:

delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, investigation, probation, probe, probing, research, study

Related Words for Inquisition

quest, audit, check, checkup, diagnosis, inspection, hearing, interrogation, trial, feeler, query, question, poll, questionary, questionnaire, survey, challenge, cross-examination, going-over, grilling, quiz, rehearing, reinvestigation, self-examination, self-exploration, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, soul-searching

Word Forms of Inquisition

Derived words: inquisitional (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Inquisition

Middle English inquisicioun, from Anglo-French inquisition, from Latin inquisition-, inquisitio, from inquirere

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Inquisition

the Inquisition

Frequently Asked Questions about Inquisition

What does "Inquisition" mean?

"Inquisition" means a former Roman Catholic tribunal for the discovery and punishment of heresy. As a noun, it is defined as: a former Roman Catholic tribunal for the discovery and punishment of heresy.

What is another word for "Inquisition"?

Other words for "Inquisition" include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry and investigation. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Inquisition" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Inquisition"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Inquisition". Common alternatives include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, investigation, probation and probe.

How do you use "Inquisition" in a sentence?

Examples of "Inquisition" in a sentence: "there's no need to conduct an inquisition about so trivial a matter".

Is "Inquisition" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Inquisition" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Inquisition"?

"Inquisition" is pronounced /ˌin-kwə-ˈzi-shən/ and divided into syllables as in·qui·si·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Inquisition"?

"Inquisition" comes from Middle English inquisicioun, from Anglo-French inquisition, from Latin inquisition-, inquisitio, from inquirere. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Inquisition" meaning "a systematic search for the truth or facts about something"?

When "Inquisition" (noun) means a systematic search for the truth or facts about something, synonyms include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration and inquest.