inquisitor

/in'kwizitə/ Cách viết khác : (inquisitionist) /,inkwi'ziʃənist/

Thân thiện

The inquisitor questioned the witness in the old courtroom.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An official of the Inquisition: A person, especially a judge, who was an official of the historical ecclesiastical court known as the Inquisition, which investigated and prosecuted heresy.
   • A harsh questioner: A person who questions others in a severe, relentless, or excessively harsh manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Historical Official):
  • The inquisitor demanded the accused confess to heresy.
  • Records from the Spanish Inquisition detail the methods used by the inquisitors.
• Noun (Harsh Questioner):
  • The lawyer was like an inquisitor, bombarding the witness with aggressive questions.
  • I felt like I was being interviewed by an inquisitor rather than a friendly journalist.

Advanced Usage

• "Play the inquisitor": To act like a harsh or relentless questioner.
  • During the debate, he chose to play the inquisitor, putting his opponent on the defensive.
• "The Grand Inquisitor": A title for a leading official of the Inquisition; also used metaphorically for a dogmatic or persecuting authority.
  • The chapter features a powerful parable about the Grand Inquisitor.

Variants and Related Words

• Inquisition (n): The historical ecclesiastical tribunal or the process of severe questioning.
  • The period of the Spanish Inquisition was marked by religious persecution.
• Inquisitorial (adj): Relating to an inquisitor or to an official inquiry, often suggesting harsh, prying investigation.
  • The committee adopted an inquisitorial tone during the hearings.
• Inquire/Enquire (v): To ask for information.
  • I will inquire about the schedule.

Synonyms

• Interrogator: A person who questions someone, especially formally.
• Examiner: A person who inspects or investigates something closely.
• Prosecutor: A person, especially a public official, who conducts legal proceedings against someone (shares the connotation of an accuser).

Related Phrases

• Inquisitor's gaze/stare: A look that feels intensely searching and accusatory.
  • She faced the committee with confidence, undaunted by their inquisitor's gaze.

Related Idioms

• To be put through an inquisition: To be subjected to intense and harsh questioning.
  • After coming home late, the teenager felt he was put through an inquisition by his parents.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an official of the ecclesiastical court of the Inquisition
2. a questioner who is excessively harsh

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Inquisitor
• interrogator