debrief meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

debrief

verb

UK /diːˈbɹiːf/ · CA, US /diˈbɹif/

Etymology From de- + brief.

To question someone after a military mission in order to obtain information (especially intelligence).

But, for whatever combination of reasons - and, to be fair, he'd been blasted in the face by shrapnel, was probably badly concussed, and, indeed, would actually remember nothing from the battle after he'd been hit when he was later debriefed - aside from two destroyers left behind to help Hiei, the rest of the Japanese forces withdrew north just before 0300 in the morning.2021 March 10, Drachinifel, 24:41 from the start, in Guadalcanal Campaign - The Big Night Battle: Night 1 (IJN 3(?) : 2 USN), archived from the original on 07 Nov 2022:

To question someone, or a group of people, after the implementation of a project, in order to learn from mistakes, etc.

To inform subjects of an experiment about what has happened in a complete and accurate manner.

noun

Etymology From de- + brief.

Synonym of debriefing

We had a debrief yesterday.
Family psychologist Susan Gamache said a family debrief of the holidays, once the dust has settled in January, will help make Christmas more manageable next time.2018 January 2, Clare Hennig, “Holiday debrief: Now's the time for a family review of Christmas”, in CBC.ca, archived from the original on 05 Apr 2026:

2 more examples

Too often, organizations treat post-project debriefs as operational hygiene: a box to check before heading to the next engagement.2025 May 20, Rhea Wessel, “A Project Debrief Strategy Is A Critical Tool For Thought Leadership”, in Forbes, archived from the original on 05 Apr 2026:
The debrief — based on consultation with government agencies and salmon industry operators — also outlined concerns about worsening environmental volatility and emerging marine disease threats, stating that "business as usual" approaches would not be enough.2025 November 2, Adam Holmes, “Review of mass salmon mortalities in Tasmania points to litany of failures”, in Australian Broadcasting Corporation, archived from the original on 05 Apr 2026: