Interrogation vs. Question — What's the Difference?

A formal process of questioning by authorities.

A sentence phrased to elicit information.

A legally bound procedure in criminal investigations.

An inquiry requiring a response.

A method used by law enforcement to elicit truthful information.

A sentence, phrase, or gesture that seeks information through a reply.

A session intended to extract confessions or important details.

To ask a question or questions of (someone).

A structured and often intense questioning period.

To interrogate (a suspect, for example).

Interrogation (also called questioning) is interviewing as commonly employed by law enforcement officers, military personnel, intelligence agencies, organized crime syndicates, and terrorist organizations with the goal of eliciting useful information, particularly information related to suspected crime. Interrogation may involve a diverse array of techniques, ranging from developing a rapport with the subject to torture.

To pose a question or questions regarding (something); analyze or examine

To examine by questioning formally or officially.

To express doubt about; dispute

(Computers) To transmit a signal for setting off an appropriate response.

To ask questions.

The act of interrogating or questioning; examination by questions; inquiry.

A sentence, phrase or word which asks for information, reply or response; an interrogative.

A question put; an inquiry.

A subject or topic for consideration or investigation.

(dated) A question mark.

A doubt or challenge about the truth, accuracy, or validity of a matter.

The act or process of interrogating or questioning; examination by questions; an instance of interrogating; inquiry.

A proposal to a meeting as a topic for deliberation.

A question put; an inquiry.

Interrogation by torture.

A point, mark, or sign, thus [?], indicating that the sentence with which it is connected is a question. It is used to express doubt, or to mark a query. Usually called a question mark; called also interrogation point.

(obsolete) Talk; conversation; speech.

A sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply;

(transitive) To ask questions of; to interrogate; to ask for information.

A transmission that will trigger an answering transmission from a transponder

(transitive) To raise doubts about; have doubts about.

Formal systematic questioning

(intransitive) To ask a question or questions; inquire or seek to know; examine.

An instance of questioning;

To argue; to converse; to dispute.

The act of asking; interrogation; inquiry; as, to examine by question and answer.

Discussion; debate; hence, objection; dispute; doubt; as, the story is true beyond question; he obeyed without question.

Examination with reference to a decisive result; investigation; specifically, a judicial or official investigation; also, examination under torture.

That which is asked; inquiry; interrogatory; query.

Hence, a subject of investigation, examination, or debate; theme of inquiry; matter to be inquired into; as, a delicate or doubtful question.

Talk; conversation; speech; speech.

To ask questions; to inquire.

To argue; to converse; to dispute.

To inquire of by asking questions; to examine by interrogatories; as, to question a witness.

To doubt of; to be uncertain of; to query.

To raise a question about; to call in question; to make objection to.

To talk to; to converse with.

An instance of questioning;

The subject matter at issue;

A sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply;

Uncertainty about the truth or factuality of existence of something;

A formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote;

An informal reference to a marriage proposal;

Challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of;

Pose a series of questions to;

Pose a question

Conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

Place in doubt or express doubtful speculation;

Part of everyday communication used to gain understanding.

Can be rhetorical, not expecting an actual answer.

Used in educational settings to stimulate thinking.

An interrogation is a formal and systematic questioning process, often under legal circumstances and conducted by authorities.

Yes, many jurisdictions provide legal protections during interrogations, such as the right to remain silent or to legal counsel.

Yes, if a simple question escalates into a systematic and intense series of inquiries under pressure, it can take the form of an interrogation.

Interrogation techniques may include psychological tactics, strategic questioning, and sometimes applying pressure to obtain information or confessions.

Individuals have rights such as the right to remain silent, the right to avoid self-incrimination, and the right to legal representation during interrogations in many legal systems.

The primary purpose of a question is to gather information or clarify doubts.

Interrogations typically occur in formal settings like police stations, whereas questions can be asked in any environment.

Questions can range from very casual, such as everyday conversation inquiries, to formal, such as those posed in academic or professional settings.

Yes, in casual settings, individuals can generally refuse to answer questions without any legal consequences.

Depending on the legal jurisdiction, not answering during an interrogation can have different consequences, often involving legal repercussions or implications in the context of an ongoing investigation.

Interrogations are typically conducted by individuals in authority, such as police officers, detectives, or legal personnel.

The setting can greatly influence the nature and perception of questioning; formal settings like courtrooms or police stations can make the process feel more intimidating compared to casual or everyday environments.

Interrogations typically involve higher intensity and pressure, with more at stake, compared to the generally lighter, more relaxed nature of regular questions.

Legally binding questions are generally reserved for formal settings, like courtrooms or during contracts, and must be asked by authorized personnel or under specific legal conditions.

Interrogation questions are often more pointed, designed to elicit specific information or confessions, and are conducted within a controlled, often coercive environment.