What does "inquisition" mean?
An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter.
Inquisition
/ˌɪŋkwɪˈzɪʃən/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter.
- Grammar: inquisition is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: analysis, areopagus, assize, board.
- Useful contrasts: amnesty, assurance, ignorance.
- Usage evidence: Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
How to use "inquisition"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "inquisition" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "inquisition" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "inquisition" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "inquisition" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "analysis" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "inquisition", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter. countable, uncountable
"But as farrefoorth as I coulde learne, through earneſt inquiſition I thoughte in my conſcience the woman was not gilty, all the circumſtances well conſydered."
- 2 a severe interrogation (often violating the rights or privacy of individuals) wordnet
- 3 An inquiry or investigation into the truth of some matter.; Such an investigation that is asserted to be persecutory by its adversaries. countable, sometimes, uncountable
- 4 a former tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church (1232-1820) created to discover and suppress heresy wordnet
- 5 An inquest. countable, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A questioning. countable, uncountable
- 7 The finding of a jury, especially such a finding under a writ of inquiry. countable, uncountable
"The justices in eyre had it formerly in charge to make inquisition concerning them by a jury of the county."
Verb
- 1 To make inquisition concerning; to inquire into. obsolete
"And in their name I shall for neither friend nor foe conceal what the general murmur is ; that if it come to inquisitioning again"
Proper Noun
- 1 A tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church set up to investigate and suppress heresy. historical
"We know from history that the Catholic Church has historically murdered, mutilated, castrated, maimed, imprisoned and flogged homosexuals. Catholic atrocities during the Inquisition are well documented and cannot be denied. The Church no longer does those things to homosexuals, but it violates their human rights in other ways."
- 2 A harsh or rigorous interrogation that violates one’s rights. broadly
Example
"Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "inquisition"?
Common synonyms include: analysis, areopagus, assize, board, change of venue, council.
How do you use "inquisition" in a sentence?
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
How do you pronounce "inquisition"?
Pronounced /ˌɪŋkwɪˈzɪʃən/.
Etymology
From Old French inquisicion, from Latin inquisitio, from inquirere. The sense implying persecution is influenced by the name of the Spanish Inquisition, which is a cardinal exemplar of government inquisitions that give inquisitions a bad name.