inquisition Definition

inquisition
noun

1. A searching or intensive inquiry or investigation.

Thesaurus: interrogation, questioning, investigation, cross-examination, inquest, witch hunt, third degree (slang), grilling.
2. An official or judicial inquiry.
3. historical
In the RC Church between the 13c and 19c: a papal tribunal responsible for discovering, suppressing and punishing heresy and unbelief, etc.
Form: the Inquisition

Derivative: inquisitional
adj

Relating to or in the nature of inquiry or the Inquisition.

Etymology: 14c: French, from Latin inquisitio.