inquisition

noun an-kee-zee-ZYOHN Rare

Origin: Latin inquisitio (investigation)

Usage Note

Inquisition refers both to the historical Catholic tribunal that prosecuted heresy (especially the Spanish Inquisition, l'Inquisition espagnole) and, figuratively, to any harsh or intrusive interrogation. The phrase faire subir une inquisition à quelqu'un means to subject someone to relentless questioning. It is feminine: une inquisition.

Examples

"L'Inquisition a persécuté de nombreux hérétiques."

Natural Translation

The Inquisition persecuted many heretics.

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