聞ききただす

godan verb (-su), transitive verb

question closely; probe for the truth; ascertain by asking

Used when you persistently ask someone to get to the bottom of a matter, often implying suspicion or a desire to uncover hidden facts. Stronger than simply asking; carries a nuance of cross-examination or interrogation.

• 彼かれは上じょう司しに、なぜその決けっ定ていを下くだしたのかを厳きびしく聞ききただした。

  He sternly questioned his boss about why he made that decision.

• 記き者しゃは政せい治じ家かに疑ぎ惑わくの真しん相そうを聞ききただした。

  The reporter pressed the politician for the truth behind the scandal.