First Known Use: 1874
Dictionary
interpellate
verb in·ter·pel·late \ˌin-tər-ˈpe-ˌlāt, in-ˈtər-pə-ˌlāt\
in·ter·pel·lat·edin·ter·pel·lat·ing
Definition of INTERPELLATE
transitive verb
: to question (as a foreign minister) formally concerning an official action or policy or personal conduct
— in·ter·pel·la·tion \ˌin-tər-pə-ˈlā-shən\ noun
— in·ter·pel·la·tor \ˌin-tər-ˈpe-ˌlā-tər, in-ˈtər-pə-ˌlā-\ noun
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Origin of INTERPELLATE
Latin interpellatus, past participle of interpellare to interrupt, from inter- + -pellare (from pellere to drive) — more at felt
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