Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈkwɪzɪʃən/

Definitions

• Noun: A formal investigation or inquiry, typically one involving intense questioning or examination.
• Noun: A historical period of rigorous religious or legal investigation, often associated with the medieval Catholic Church (e.g., the Spanish Inquisition).
• Noun: The act of inquiring or probing deeply into a subject, sometimes with an intense or harsh approach.

Usage Examples

• The authorities launched an inquisition into the corruption scandal.
• During the Spanish Inquisition, people were questioned rigorously about their beliefs.
• Her inquisition into the company's finances revealed shocking discrepancies.

Etymology

From Middle English "inquisicioun," derived from Old French "inquisition" (from Latin "inquisitio," meaning 'searching into'). The Latin root "inquirere" means to seek or investigate. The word evolved to refer specifically to official, often harsh, investigations, especially those conducted by the Catholic Church during the medieval period.

Synonyms

• Investigation
• Interrogation
• Inquiry
• Probe
• Examination

Antonyms

• Indifference
• Neglect
• Overlook
• Disregard
• Rejection

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "Inquisition" may be pronounced differently in various regions. For instance, in British English, it is often pronounced /ɪnˈkwɪzɪʃən/, whereas in American English, it might sound slightly different, with a more neutral 'r' sound at the end, as /ɪnˈkwɪzɪʃən/ or /ɪnˈkwɪzɪʃn/.

Historical Usage

The term "Inquisition" is most famously associated with the religious investigations carried out by the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. The Spanish Inquisition (1478–1834) is the most well-known, during which people, particularly those accused of heresy or witchcraft, were subjected to trials. While originally meant to seek out heresy, it became notorious for its methods of torture and execution. In modern contexts, "inquisition" is used more generally to describe any harsh, systematic inquiry.

Cultural Nuances

The Inquisition, especially the Spanish Inquisition, has had a profound impact on culture and history, symbolizing both the power of the church and the darker aspects of religious persecution. In many cultures, the term "inquisition" still evokes images of suffering and injustice. However, in some regions, it can also be used metaphorically to describe any rigorous or intrusive inquiry, such as in the workplace or legal investigations.

More Information

The Inquisition is often seen as a symbol of religious intolerance and abuse of power. It has inspired numerous works of art, literature, and historical analysis. Today, the term is used in a broader sense to describe any investigation or inquiry, particularly one that is invasive, intense, or critical. While its historical context remains important, its modern-day use is more figurative, relating to any kind of probing or scrutinizing action, not just in religious contexts but also in legal and political ones.