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

Other Word Forms

• debriefing noun
• debriefer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of debrief¹

First recorded in 1940–45; de- + brief

Example Sentences

“It wasn’t until after the concert, where I was debriefing with my friends and I said, ‘Let’s review the footage, let’s see if it really looks that bad.’

From Los Angeles Times

The military said the deputy commander of the reconnaissance battalion was dismissed "due to his responsibilities as the field commander in this incident and for providing an incomplete and inaccurate report during the debrief".

From BBC

It added that the deputy commander of the unit involved has been dismissed "for providing an incomplete and inaccurate report during the debrief".

From BBC

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

"Afterwards, we had a five-minute debrief and drew up a plan and it was actioned the next day - you would never be able to do that if we were all working individually."

From BBC

Related Words

• interrogate