interrogator

IPA/ɪnˈterəɡeɪtə(r)/
KK[ˌɪntˈɛrəɡˌetɚ]IPA/ɪnˈterəɡeɪtər/

interrogator — noun

  • interrogatorsingular
  • interrogatorsplural

1. a person who questions someone in a demanding and often threatening way, usually

1.nounB2
Definition

a person who questions someone in a demanding and often threatening way, usually trying to get secret or hidden information from them

Example

The interrogator pressed Chen for details about the robbery, repeating the same question in a firm voice.

Zahra remained silent when the interrogator shouted, refusing to say anything about her unit.

interrogator in military/detention context

Common collocations
  • tough interrogator
  • skilled interrogator
  • military interrogator
  • police interrogator
  • interrogator + uses / employs / applies [techniques/methods]
Synonyms
  • questioner

    neutral term without the threatening connotation

  • cross-examiner

    specifically legal context, in a courtroom

  • inquisitor

    more formal and historical, often carries a religious or political overtone

Antonyms
  • respondent

    the person being questioned or answering

Grammar Patterns

the interrogator + verb (pressed / demanded / shouted)

adjective + interrogator (tough / skilled / military)

interrogator + of + [person/group]

Usage Note

Strongly associated with police, military, and intelligence contexts. Carries a negative connotation of pressure or coercion. Compare with questioner (neutral), interviewer (professional), or examiner (academic).

Common Mistakes

The journalist acted as a friendly interrogator during the interview.
The journalist acted as a friendly questioner during the interview.
'Interrogator' implies harshness; use 'questioner' or 'interviewer' for neutral scenarios.
The teacher was a patient interrogator of her students.
The teacher was a patient examiner of her students.
'Interrogator' suggests hostility; use 'examiner' in educational settings.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Interrogator, questioner, cross-examiner, inquisitor, and examiner all refer to someone who asks questions, but they differ sharply in tone and setting. An interrogator is the most forceful — the word suggests pressure, repetition, and often threat, typical of police or military settings. A questioner is neutral and broad: anyone asking questions, from a journalist to a curious child, can be called a questioner. A cross-examiner operates in a specific legal context, challenging a witness's testimony in court. An inquisitor is more formal and carries historical weight, often evoking religious or political investigations. An examiner is usually academic or professional, testing knowledge without hostility. For example: 'The police interrogator got a confession' vs. 'The friendly questioner asked about my weekend.'

questioner ↗cross-examinerinquisitorexaminer ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • interrogator technique
  • interrogator training
  • interrogator role

Phrases

  • trained interrogator
  • experienced interrogator

Prepositions

  • interrogator of [person/group]

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from Latin 'interrogare', which means 'to ask, question'. This is formed by 'inter-' (meaning 'between') plus 'rogare' (meaning 'to ask'). The word entered English through French in the 1500s, first used in legal and formal contexts.