debrief

American  

[dee-breef] / diˈbrif /

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.

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debrief British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• debriefer noun
• debriefing noun

Etymology

Origin of debrief

First recorded in 1940–45; de- + brief

Explanation

When you debrief someone, you interview the person about an experience, project, or mission they've completed. A soldier's commanding officer might debrief her after a particularly difficult battle. Spies and military personnel might expect their superiors to debrief them after a mission — the process is called a debriefing, and it includes questions about the experience and instructions about which details must be kept classified. Educators and counselors sometimes also debrief people, particularly those who have experienced tragedy or trauma, and who can be helped by talking through their experiences. The word debrief emerged at the end of World War II, originally as a military term.

Example Sentences

Monday was a light training session with the players who played on Saturday, and a debrief in a match-related game versus the reserves.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

The officials would repeatedly travel up and down floors to discuss new ideas or debrief on conversations with foreign leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2025

“They didn’t like the vibe,” he tells Syd in a morning-after debrief.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2025

The 36-hole leader is one clear of DeChambeau on eight under and his approach was to switch off from golf after a short debrief following his second round.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025

“Check to see who you’ll be running with and where, and I expect to see you all back here at 3:05 p.m. so we can debrief and pack up for the day. All good?”

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan

Related Words

• interrogate