Inquisition

The word 'Inquisition' historically refers to a period of severe interrogation and investigation, often involving torture and persecution, carried out by a religious or political authority. It's characterized by its rigorous questioning, seeking of heretical or dissenting beliefs, and the suppression of opposing viewpoints. The aim was often to enforce conformity, maintain power, and eliminate perceived threats. The term can also be applied metaphorically to any severe and relentless investigation or questioning, even outside of a historical religious context, designed to uncover information or expose wrongdoing.

Inquisition meaning with examples

• The Spanish inquisition, a notorious historical example, used torture and public trials to suppress heresy and enforce religious orthodoxy, causing immense suffering. It's a dark chapter that highlights the dangers of unchecked religious power and intolerance. Its legacy serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for religious freedom and freedom of thought.
• Following the political scandal, the media launched a relentless inquisition into the politician's past, scrutinizing every aspect of their financial dealings and personal relationships. This exhaustive investigation aimed to reveal any potential corruption or ethical breaches, leading to intense public scrutiny.
• The human resources department conducted an inquisition into the company's recent data breach, interviewing employees and examining security protocols in an effort to identify the source of the vulnerability. The goal was to understand what happened and implement security measures to prevent a future data breach.
• During a job interview, the hiring manager subjected the candidate to an inquisition, grilling them about their past experiences, skills, and ambitions, leaving the candidate to have to recall every detail of their previous work. The intense questioning aimed to assess the candidate's suitability for the role, often leaving people exhausted.
• The prosecution's inquisition of the defendant during the trial was sharp and persistent, questioning every detail of his alibi and attempting to cast doubt on his version of events. The trial was very intense. The aim was to prove the defendant's guilt by discrediting his defense.