verb (used with object)
- to interrogate (a soldier, astronaut, diplomat, etc.) on return from a mission in order to assess the conduct and results of the mission.
- to question formally and systematically in order to obtain useful intelligence or information: Political and economic experts routinely debrief important defectors about conditions in their home country.
- to subject to prohibitions against revealing or discussing classified information, as upon separation from a position of military or political sensitivity.
- Psychology. (after an experiment) to disclose to the subject the purpose of the experiment and any reasons for deception or manipulation.
verb
- (of a soldier, astronaut, diplomat, etc) to make or (of his superiors) to elicit a report after a mission or eventCompare brief (def. 13)
“obtain information (from someone) at the end of a mission,” 1945, from de- + brief (v.). Related: Debriefed; debriefing.