inquisition
/ˌɪnkwəˈzɪʃən/
noun
- A long, detailed, and often harsh or aggressive questioning or investigation.
- The journalist faced an inquisition from the committee about her sources.
- My parents gave me an inquisition about where I had been all night.
- The new employee endured an inquisition from the boss about every mistake on the report.
- A formal investigation, especially one that is very thorough and critical.
- The senator called for a public inquisition into the handling of the disaster.
- The school board's inquisition into the curriculum changes lasted for months.
- The company launched an inquisition into the accounting irregularities.
- A former official Roman Catholic court for the discovery and punishment of heresy (historical).
- Many scientists were tried by the Inquisition for their beliefs.
- The Spanish Inquisition is infamous for its harsh methods.
- The Inquisition was established in the 13th century to combat heresy.