ques·tion
  (kwĕs′chən)n.1.  A sentence, phrase, or gesture that seeks information through a reply.
 2. a.  A subject or point that is under discussion or open to controversy: the question of whether a new school should be built.
b.  A matter of concern or difficulty; a problem: This is not a question of too little money.
 3. a.  A proposition brought up for consideration by an assembly.
b.  The act of bringing a proposal to vote.
 4.  Law An issue in dispute for the resolution of a court.
5.  Uncertainty; doubt: There is no question about the validity of the enterprise. Her integrity is beyond question.
 v. ques·tioned, ques·tion·ing, ques·tions 
v.tr.1. a.  To ask a question or questions of (someone).
b.  To interrogate (a suspect, for example). See Synonyms at 
 ask.
  2.  To pose a question or questions regarding (something); analyze or examine: researchers questioning which of the methods will work.
3.  To express doubt about; dispute: questioned his sincerity; questioned the expense report.
 v.intr. To ask questions.
 Idioms:  in question Under consideration or discussion.
  out of the question Not worth considering because of being too difficult or impossible: Starting over is out of the question.
 
[Middle English, from Old French, legal inquiry, from Latin quaestiō, quaestiōn-, from *quaestus, obsolete past participle of quaerere, to ask, seek.]
ques′tion·er n.
ques′tion·ing·ly adv.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.