inquest
/ˈɪŋkwɛst/ · in·quest
noun
- A formal investigation, often held before a jury, especially one into the cause of a death. The coroner's office conducted an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
- An inquiry, typically into an undesired outcome. The company launched an inquest into the reasons behind the project's delay.
- The jury hearing such an inquiry, and the result of the inquiry. The inquest returned a verdict of accidental death.
Synonyms
Did you know? The term 'inquest' is often associated with coroner's courts, where it is used to describe the formal investigation into a person's death.