inquisitorial

Other forms: inquisitorially

Definitions of inquisitorial

1. adjective

   marked by inquisitive interest; especially suggestive of an ecclesiastical inquisitor
   “the press was inquisitorial to the point of antagonism”

   “"a practical police force with true inquisitorial talents"- Waldo Frank”

   synonyms:

   inquiring

   given to inquiry
2. adjective

   having the authority to conduct official investigations
   “the inquisitorial power of the Senate”

   synonyms:

   inquiring

   given to inquiry
3. adjective

   especially indicating a form of prosecution in which proceedings are secret and the accused is questioned by a prosecutor who acts also as the judge
   antonyms:

   accusatorial

   specifically indicating a form of prosecution in which one is publicly accused of and tried for a crime and in which the judge is not also the prosecutor