debrief

[ dee-breef ]

verb (used with object)

1. to interrogate (a soldier, astronaut, diplomat, etc.) on return from a mission in order to assess the conduct and results of the mission.
2. to question formally and systematically in order to obtain useful intelligence or information:

   Political and economic experts routinely debrief important defectors about conditions in their home country.

3. to subject to prohibitions against revealing or discussing classified information, as upon separation from a position of military or political sensitivity.
4. Psychology. (after an experiment) to disclose to the subject the purpose of the experiment and any reasons for deception or manipulation.

debrief

/ diːˈbriːf /

verb

1. (of a soldier, astronaut, diplomat, etc) to make or (of his superiors) to elicit a report after a mission or event Compare brief

Derived Forms

• deˈbriefing, noun

Other Words From

• de·brief·er noun
• de·brief·ing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of debrief¹

First recorded in 1940–45; de- + brief

Example Sentences

Goalkeeper Butland - who took the captain's armband after James Tavernier was substituted - was keen to stress the collective nature of the half-time debrief.

From BBC

Ultimately, they were undone by two brilliant individual moments from New Zealand wing Mark Tele'a, which you should be able to take out of the defensive debrief.

From BBC

There will be positives to flag in the debrief.

From BBC

Deep canvassing ended with a debrief — people sharing conversations and conundrums.

From Salon

A debrief with management and a supportive check-in was supposed to happen after every serious incident but one was never arranged.

From BBC

Related Words

• interrogate