inquest

Everyday

1. (law) An official inquiry by a court, led by a coroner, to find out why and how a person died, when the death was sudden or unexplained. tree →
2. (informal) A long discussion after something has gone wrong to find out why: a post-match inquest. tree →

In the lessons

In news and adult life seen by a child (UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ); in sports talk about losing. Phrases: hold an inquest, the coroner's inquest, an inquest into.

Examples

• An inquest will be held into the accident. tree →
• The coroner leads the inquest. tree →
• The inquest found that the death was an accident. tree →
• After the defeat, the team held an inquest. tree →
• An inquest helps families understand what happened. tree →
• The inquest was opened and adjourned. tree →

Note

Countable: an inquest. Inquest does not mean someone is on trial; it seeks facts, not blame. Similar word: inquiry (or enquiry).