inquest

[ in-kwest ]

noun

1. a legal or judicial inquiry, usually before a jury, especially an investigation made by a coroner into the cause of a death.

   Synonyms: inquisition, hearing

2. the body of people appointed to hold such an inquiry, especially a coroner's jury.
3. the decision or finding based on such inquiry.
4. an investigation or examination.

inquest

/ ˈɪnˌkwɛst /

noun

1. an inquiry into the cause of an unexplained, sudden, or violent death, or as to whether or not property constitutes treasure trove, held by a coroner, in certain cases with a jury
2. informal.
   any inquiry or investigation

Word History and Origins

Origin of inquest¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Medieval Latin inquēsta, equivalent to Latin in- + quaesīta, plural (taken in Medieval Latin as feminine singular) of quaesītum “question”; replacing Middle English enqueste, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin, as above; in- ², quest

Word History and Origins

Origin of inquest¹

C13: from Medieval Latin inquēsta, from Latin in- ² + quaesītus investigation, from quaerere to examine

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, Northern Ireland's Attorney General ordered a fresh inquest into the death of William McGreanery.

From BBC

Susan Pollitt's inquest concluded her death at Royal Oldham Hospital in July 2023 had been caused by an "unnecessary medical procedure contributed to by neglect".

From BBC

At Mrs Pollitt's inquest, dozens of issues with her care came to light.

From BBC

It took just three minutes for Joel Cauchi to fatally stab six people and injure 10 more during a rampage at a popular Sydney shopping centre, an inquest into the attack has been told.

From BBC

A driving examiner who went to Turkey for a weight-loss operation bled to death after the surgery went wrong, an inquest has heard.

From BBC

Related Words

• inquisition