interpellation

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun (parliament) a parliamentary procedure of demanding that a government official explain some act or policy
noun the action of interjecting or interposing an action or remark that interrupts

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

Duvernois' interpellation in French Chamber, 342, 347. — Studies in Literature and History, Alfred C., Sir Lyall
Hitherto such writers have confined their view mostly to speculative points, sophistic reasonings, and sarcastic interpellations. — Imaginary Conversations and Poems: A Selection, Walter Savage Landor
'As soon as I get home,' continues Peggy, annoyed by, and yet not deigning to notice, his frivolous interpellation, 'I shall put the house into the hands of a house-agent. — Doctor Cupid: A Novel, Rhoda Broughton

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