inquest
word
Definition
An inquest is a legal investigation, especially one held by a judge or coroner to find out the cause of someone's death or the facts behind an unusual event.
Usage & Nuances
'Inquest' is mainly used in formal, legal contexts and commonly relates to investigations into deaths, especially those that are sudden or unexplained. Do not confuse with 'investigation' (wider use) or 'inquiry' (generally broader, may not be legal). Often seen with 'hold an inquest', 'inquest into (death)', and sometimes used figuratively for fact-finding missions.
Example Sentences
The police called for an inquest after the accident.
basic
The inquest lasted for two weeks.
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An inquest was held to find out how she died.
basic
The family demanded an independent inquest into the circumstances of his death.
natural
After the shocking verdict, there were calls for a wider inquest into police conduct.
natural
The coroner’s inquest concluded there was no foul play involved.
natural