interpellate

[ in-ter-pel-eyt, in-tur-puh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ter·pel·lat·ed, in·ter·pel·lat·ing.

1. to call formally upon (a minister or member of a government) to explain an act or policy, sometimes leading, in parliamentary government, to a vote of confidence or a change of government.
2. Sociology. to maintain power over a population by imposing beliefs, values, and norms on that population rather than using force.

interpellate

/ ɪnˈtɜːpɛˌleɪt /

verb

1. tr parliamentary procedure (in European legislatures) to question (a member of the government) on a point of government policy, often interrupting the business of the day

Derived Forms

• inˌterpelˈlation, noun
• inˈterpelˌlator, noun

Other Words From

• in·ter·pel·la·tor [in, -ter-p, uh, -ley-ter, in-, tur, -p, uh, -ley-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpellate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin interpellātus, past participle of interpellāre “to interrupt,” equivalent to inter- “between, among, together” + -pellā(re) “to speak” + -tus past participle suffix; inter-

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpellate¹

C16: from Latin interpellāre to disturb, from inter- + pellere to push

Example Sentences

The denialist ISA interpellated a range of subjects: businessmen, car owners, Americans, rational agents; perhaps most importantly, everyone who identified themselves as a beneficiary of the free market.

From Salon

He doesn’t do much boasting about himself—but by interpellating the crowd in particular terms, Antony is casting himself as one of their number.*

From Literature

When the people arrived at Montbazon, the Baron de Vaux must interpellate the leader, and be guided by that person's attitude.

From Project Gutenberg

A few days later the matter of the proposed issue came up in Parliament, and the Postmaster General was interpellated in the House of Commons.

From Project Gutenberg

And no deputy rises to interpellate the liars!

From Project Gutenberg