debrief
UK: ˌdiːˈbriːf | US: ˌdiːˈbriːf
vt. to question someone (e.g., a soldier or diplomat) about a completed mission or task
vt. to summarize or review information after an event
n. a meeting or report where such information is discussed
debrief = de<reverse> + brief<short summary>
- de (Latin prefix): Indicates reversal or removal (e.g., defrost, decode).
- brief (Old French bref → Latin brevis): Originally meant "short" or "concise," later extended to summaries (e.g., legal briefs).
Etymology Origin:
The word emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in military contexts. It combines de- (undoing) with brief (a summary), literally meaning "to reverse the briefing process"—extracting details after an operation rather than giving instructions beforehand. Over time, it expanded to civilian use for post-event reviews.
The commander debriefed the team after the covert mission.
Journalists were debriefed on the summit’s outcomes.
The debrief revealed critical gaps in the plan.
She spent an hour debriefing her assistant on the meeting.
Post-flight debriefs are standard for airline crews.