debrief — to question someone in detail about a completed mission, operation, or experience
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to question someone in detail about a completed mission, operation, or experience
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌdiːˈbriːf/
Example Sentences
- After the disastrous cooking show, the chef was debriefed about why he tried to flambe the salad.
- NASA debriefs astronauts immediately after their return to Earth.
- The spy was debriefed for hours about his cover being blown when he ordered kimchi at the Italian restaurant.
debrief
VERB[/ˌdiːˈbriːf/]
to question someone in detail about a completed mission, operation, or experience

After the mission, the commander began to debrief the pilots in a quiet room.

Keep the debrief brief for instant relief!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Debrief originated as military terminology in the 1940s, formed by attaching the prefix de- (meaning removal or reversal) to brief (a short report). The term evolved to mean 'to extract detailed information' or 'to question thoroughly,' suggesting the removal or stripping away of the initial briefing to obtain comprehensive details.
Breakdown
de- (removal, reversal) + brief (short report). The prefix de- inverts or negates the concept of brief, transforming it into a verb meaning to systematically extract fuller information or debriefing details.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After the disastrous cooking show, the chef was debriefed about why he tried to flambe the salad.”
“NASA debriefs astronauts immediately after their return to Earth.”
“The spy was debriefed for hours about his cover being blown when he ordered kimchi at the Italian restaurant.”
“The research team holds a debrief every Friday to discuss their findings.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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