Debrief

/diˈbrif/ verb, noun

Definition

To question someone about a recently completed mission or event to gather information; or the meeting where this happens.

Etymology

From 'brief' (short summary of information), with the prefix 'de-' meaning 'reverse' or 'extract.' Created in military contexts in WWII to extract intelligence from returning soldiers.

Kelly Says

The U.S. military developed formal debriefing procedures during World War II to systematically extract intelligence from pilots—these techniques are now used by businesses, journalists, and psychologists to understand what really happened in complex situations!

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