Spanish word

inquisición

Pronunciation

IPA/iŋkisiˈθjon/

Meaning

  • feminine nouninquisition

Example

La inquisición marcó una época oscura en la historia de España.

The Inquisition marked a dark period in Spain's history.

Illustration for inquisición (inquisition)

More examples

¿Has oído hablar de la inquisición?

Have you heard of the inquisition?

Core concept

A church tribunal investigating suspected heresy.

Common phrases

  • oír hablar de la inquisición

    hear of the inquisition

  • hablar de la inquisición

    talk about the inquisition

Similar words

tribunal: Public judicial body that conducts trials and issues formal legal rulings.
juicio: Legal hearing that examines testimony and evidence to determine guilt or innocence.

Definition in Spanish

Proceso de investigación y juicio llevado a cabo por autoridades religiosas para detectar y sancionar la herejía u otras conductas contrarias a la doctrina.

Word origin

From Latin inquisitio, noun of inquirere 'to seek, investigate', adopted in the medieval Church to name formal procedures for detecting and judging heresy.

Usage tips

  • Capitalization signals meaning: la Inquisición commonly names the historical institution, while lowercase inquisición appears for a general or metaphorical harsh investigation.

Opposites

Related words

  • inquisitivoinquisitiveadjective
  • inquisidorinquisitornoun

Word lists with this word