debrief

as in to interrogate
to officially ask (someone) about a job that has been done or about an experience Police debriefed the hostages upon their return. The pilot was debriefed after his flight.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of debrief He is debriefed in far greater detail than the public about what is and isn’t currently available on the trade market. Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 The following day, Contessa and Phaedra sit down to debrief the previous night’s chaos. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 6 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, Contessa debriefs the ranch trip with Scott, admitting his avoidant personality played a role in the ongoing tension. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 6 Jan. 2025 The system has established multidisciplinary Workplace Violence Response Teams in all units—featuring representatives from hospital administration, public safety, human resources and risk management—to debrief violent events and deploy necessary support. Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for debrief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debrief
Verb
  • She was detained by Italian police for questioning and interrogated for 53 hours over five days without legal counsel or an interpreter present.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • While being interrogated, Christopher Eaves declined to answer questions from homicide detectives, police said.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Legal experts are questioning the authority of the Trump administration to pause the federal funding.
    Selina Wang, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • A number of filmmakers and institutions are questioning the legality of NEH grant cancellations, pointing out that the funding was originally authorized by Congress.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Investigators also examined two exemplar helicopters, according to the statement.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Forensic investigators will examine the findings for signs of trauma, injury and a cause of death.
    Dawn Klavon, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Debrief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debrief. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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