inquest

American  

[in-kwest] / ˈɪn kwɛst /

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.

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inquest British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of inquest

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; see in- ², quest

Explanation

An inquest is when a court of law or a coroner investigates the circumstances of a person's death. If a person in your family dies suddenly, you might attend an inquest at the courthouse. A death doesn't always require an inquest — they are typically carried out when there is something unexplained or suspicious about the way someone died. The inquest might be a step before a murder investigation, for example. Like a trial, a court inquest typically has a verdict issued by a judge, which might be "natural death" or "accidental death." The Old French root word is enqueste, or "inquiry."

Example Sentences

A full inquest will resume on 18 May.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Sharma’s daughter, whose testimony at Zac’s inquest doesn’t stand up, attended the same private school as Rachelle Brettler and her sisters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The inquest heard Clements was employed after Madison had suffered difficulties sleeping in the afternoons.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The inquest heard she should have been checked 12 times an hour - about every five minutes - to ensure she was safe and breathing.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

To be absolutely certain the body was Booth’s, Stanton ordered an inquest and autopsy.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

Related Words

• inquisition