interpellation

Definition

The act of interpellating (questioning); the period in which government officials are questioned about and explain an act, a policy or a point raised during a debate.

Etymology

From Middle French interpellation, from Latin interpellātiō; equivalent to interpellate + -ion or interpel + -ation.

Example Sentences

• "While the petition was circulating, a Progressive deputy asked the Minister of the Interior what the Prussian government intended to do about it. The interpellation was intended to elicit a condemnation, but the minister’s pro forma reply that the government did not intend to abrogate Jewish rights was seen by the petitioners as an encouraging sign."