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in·qui·si·tion

inquisition

 
 
pronunciation:
In kw zI shn
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition 1: an official inquiry, esp. for the purpose of enforcing political, social, or religious conformity.
Religious leaders launched an inquisition with the aim of combating heresy and witchcraft.
definition 2: the act of conducting such an inquiry.
definition 3: an inquest or other legal investigation.
definition 4: questioning that is prolonged, unrelenting, or brutal.
The prisoner was beaten during his inquisition, but he revealed no secrets.
definition 5: (cap.) a former agency of the Roman Catholic Church that investigated heresy and attempted to suppress it, esp. by violent means.
The woman was accused of witchcraft and taken before members of the Inquisition.
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derivation: inquisitional (adj.)
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