inquisition
noun
[ ɪnkwɪˈzɪʃ(ə)n ]
• a period of prolonged and intensive questioning.
• "she relented in her determined inquisition and offered help"
Similar:
interrogation,
questioning,
quizzing,
cross-examination,
cross-questioning,
catechism,
investigation,
inquiry,
inquest,
fact-finding,
grilling,
pumping,
examination,
• an ecclesiastical tribunal established by Pope Gregory IX c. 1232 for the suppression of heresy. It was active chiefly in northern Italy and southern France, becoming notorious for the use of torture. In 1542 the papal Inquisition was revived to combat Protestantism, eventually becoming an organ of papal government.
Origin:
late Middle English (denoting a searching examination): via Old French from Latin inquisitio(n- ) ‘examination’, from the verb inquirere (see inquire).
