interpelación

interpellation

noun een-tehr-peh-lah-SYOHN Rare

Origin: From Latin interpellare (to interrupt, to address formally).

Also means

formal question (in parliament)

Usage Note

Interpelación is a formal parliamentary procedure by which a legislator demands an explanation or account from a minister; it is more binding than an ordinary question. The term is used across Latin American and Spanish parliamentary systems. The verb is interpelar, and a deputy who puts such a question is the interpelante.

Examples

"La interpelación al ministro duró dos horas."

Natural Translation

The interpellation of the minister lasted two hours.

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