Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
prolonged interrogation

prolonged interrogation

7.9
Questioning someone for a long time to cause stress or force answers
  • noun
  • /prəˈlɔŋd ˌɪnˈtɛrɪˌɡeɪʃən/
  • Offensive
translation icon : interrogatorio prolongado
  • Prolonged interrogation with no limit on length or nature, random assault including the use of teargas in cells, and systematic torture were experienced in all parts of South Africa and in some areas became routine.

Examples

  • During the investigation, the police resorted to prolonged interrogation techniques to extract information from the suspect.

  • The human rights organization condemned the practice of prolonged interrogation used on detainees without legal representation.

  • Reports of prolonged interrogation have raised significant ethical concerns about the treatment of prisoners.

Synonyms

third degree
vsprolonged interrogation
  • Informal
11 6.4

Very hard questioning that tries to get information by pressure

emphasizes long duration and sustained psychological pressure rather than just intensity
inquisition
vsprolonged interrogation
9 7.9

A harsh, long questioning that invades someone's privacy

focuses on extended questioning used as psychological pressure or torture

Surface Forms

prolonged interrogation singular
prolonged interrogations plural

Morphology

prolonged + interrogation

The meaning is directly derived from the adjective 'prolonged' (lasting longer than usual) modifying 'interrogation' (formal questioning), so a learner who knows both words can infer 'questioning for an extended period.' This adjective + noun compositional pattern is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner would readily understand the phrase even without prior exposure.

Etymology

Prolonged interrogation: The phrase prolonged interrogation joins interrogation, which is being asked many questions, and prolonged, which means lasting a long time. Imagine someone kept in a small room and questioned for hours until they 'give in'. That's why the phrase means 'long questioning' often used to 'pressure' or 'torture' someone.