interpelar

Interpelar is a Spanish verb that primarily means to question or to formally address someone, especially an authority or a public official, often in a parliamentary or official setting. The term comes from Latin interpellare, which means to interrupt or interpose by speaking.

Meaning and usage

1. To formally question or challenge
   In political or institutional contexts, interpelar refers to the act of formally summoning or questioning a minister, official, or authority, often to demand explanations regarding their actions or policies.

   • Example: Los diputados interpelaron al ministro sobre la gestión del presupuesto.
     (The deputies questioned the minister about the budget management.)

2. To interrupt or interject
   A more general use can mean to interrupt someone in speech or to address someone directly within a conversation.

Components

• Prefix inter- means "between" or "among."
• Root pelar from Latin pellere, related to driving or pushing, combined as interpellare suggests inserting an intervention in dialogue or process.

Synonyms

• Formular preguntas (inquisitively)
• Cuestionar (to question)
• Interrogar (to interrogate)
• Reprender (in certain contexts, to reprimand)

Antonyms

• Responder (to answer)
• Aceptar (to accept or comply)
• Obedecer (to obey)

In summary, interpelar is mainly used when one formally or officially questions someone, often in politics or formal debates, highlighting accountability or demanding clarification.