Inquisiteert

Inquisiteert is a Dutch verb form that refers to the act of interrogating or examining someone in a thorough, often inquisitorial manner. The term is primarily found in historical, legal, or literary contexts and is not common in everyday modern Dutch. When used, it conveys a sense of methodical questioning aimed at uncovering details or truth through persistent inquiry.

Etymology and relation to related terms: Inquisiteert derives from the stem of the verb inquisiteeren, which is linked to the noun inquisitie (the Inquisition) and to the broader concept of inquiry. The word is historically connected to Latin and French roots around the idea of seeking information through systematic questioning. It shares lineage with terms such as inquisitie, inquisitor, and related legal or ecclesiastical vocabulary, though its everyday usage has diminished in contemporary language.

Usage and nuance: The term carries formal, sometimes coercive connotations associated with inquisitorial procedures. In modern Dutch, more common verbs for asking questions are ondervragen or verhoren, while in historical or stylized texts inquisitie; the act of inquisition is described with inquisiteering or inquisitieeren in a more literary or archaic register. Inquisiteert, as a present tense form, would typically be found describing a subject who is conducting such an in-depth line of questioning.

Example: De aanklager inquisitieert de verdachte grondig over de workflow van de diefstal. In de oudere literatuur kan een personage inquisiteert de getuige onder druk.

See also: inquisitie, inquisitor (inquisiteur), verhoor, ondervraging.