interpellate
/ˌɪn.təɹˈpɛl.eɪt/ verb
Forms interpellates interpellating interpellated
- verb (obsolete) To interrupt (someone) so as to inform or question (that person about something).
- verb (philosophy) To address (a person) in a way that presupposes a particular identification of them; to give (a person) an identity (which may or may not be accurate).
- verb (transitive, chiefly politics) To question (someone) formally concerning official or governmental policy or business.
Etymology
First attested in 1599; borrowed from Latin interpellātus, perfect passive participle of interpellō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Cognate with French interpeller.
Webster’s 1913
- verb To question imperatively, as a minister, or other executive officer, in explanation of his conduct; --generally on the part of a legislative body.
Etymology [See Interpel.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “interpellate”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details