interrogo

Interrogo is a Latin verb meaning “to question, to inquire.” It is a regular verb of the first conjugation, formed with the prefix inter- plus the root roga- meaning “to ask.” The infinitive is interrogāre, and the principal parts are interrogo, interrogāre, interrogāvī, interrogātum.

In syntax, interrogo is used transitively: it takes a person as the direct object and often a topic as the thing questioned. The verb can be followed by a direct object (e.g., aliquem) and, depending on the construction, by de + ablative to indicate the matter in question (e.g., de re). The present indicative active forms include interrogo (I question), interrogās (you question), interrogat (he questions), while the perfect indicative is interrogāvī (I questioned). Passive forms exist as interrogor, interrogāris, interrogātur, interrogāmur, interrogāminī, interrogantur.

Related nominal and adjectival forms include interrogātiō (the act of questioning, an interrogation), and interrogātor (the questioner). Etymologically, interrogo derives from inter- “between, among” and rogō “to ask,” and shares its semantic field with other Latin terms for questioning and inquiry. The word has also given rise to the English verb interrogate and the noun interrogation, via the Latin interroga- and interrogātiō.

In usage, interrogo appears in classical and medieval Latin texts to describe the act of asking questions, whether in everyday discourse, legal or diplomatic contexts, or rhetorical exercises. Its meaning remains closely aligned with inquiry and examination rather than accusatory or adversarial connotations.