French word

interpellation

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃tɛʁpelasjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbeing stopped

Example

J'ai subi une interpellation hier en rentrant du travail.

I was stopped yesterday on my way home from work.

Illustration for interpellation (being stopped)

More examples

Les policiers ont procédé à une interpellation près de la gare.

The police carried out a stop for questioning near the station.

Core concept

A person is stopped and drawn into a direct exchange that requires a response or explanation.

Common phrases

  • subir une interpellation

    be stopped and questioned by the police

  • une interpellation policière

    a police stop and questioning

Similar words

question: Asking a question with the expectation of receiving an answer.
interrogation: Detailed questioning to establish the facts of a situation.
contrôle: An official stop to check a person's identity or belongings.

Definition in French

Acte d'interrompre ou d'interpeller quelqu'un pour lui poser une question ou demander des explications ; emploi courant pour un contrôle d'identité policier ou pour une question formelle en assemblée.

Word origin

French inherited interpellation from Latin interpellatio, formed from interpellare, to interrupt or address someone with a question.

Usage tips

  • In a police context, interpellation can mean being stopped and questioned or being taken into custody, so context determines whether arrest is intended.

Other meanings

  • police questioningnoun
  • parliamentary questioningnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word