# interpellate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˌɪn.təɹˈpɛl.eɪt/

## Definitions
1. To interrupt (someone) so as to inform or question (that person about something).
2. To address (a person) in a way that presupposes a particular identification of them; to give (a person) an identity (which may or may not be accurate).
3. To question (someone) formally concerning official or governmental policy or business.

## Etymology
First attested in 1599; borrowed from Latin interpellātus, perfect passive participle of interpellō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Cognate with French interpeller.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/interpellate