inquisitor

[ in-kwiz-i-ter ]

noun

1. a person who makes an inquisition.
2. a questioner, especially an unduly curious or harsh one.
3. a person who investigates in an official capacity.
4. a member of the Inquisition.

inquisitor

/ ɪnˈkwɪzɪtə /

noun

1. a person who inquires, esp deeply, searchingly, or ruthlessly
2. often capital an official of the ecclesiastical court of the Inquisition

Word History and Origins

Origin of inquisitor¹

1495–1505; < Latin inquīsītor, equivalent to inquīsī-, variant stem of inquīrere to inquire + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

You tell me, her inquisitor throws back at her, and she concludes somewhat hollowly, “I don’t know.”

From Salon

In one interrogation, she says her inquisitors tried to force a confession out of her.

From BBC

Eriksson was an engaging, courteous character with an uncanny ability to smile as he deflected away various personal scandals, never allowing his inquisitors to lay a glove on him.

From BBC

“It is attributed to me, yes,” he tells his inquisitors.

From Los Angeles Times

Twice he was asked directly about Liverpool - who are a point ahead of Manchester City - and on both occasions he told his inquisitor to "ask me on Friday", meaning his pre-match media conference.

From BBC

Related Words

• interrogator