investigate

[ in-ves-ti-geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ves·ti·gat·ed, in·ves·ti·gat·ing.

1. to examine, study, or inquire into systematically; search or examine into the particulars of; examine in detail.
2. to search out and examine the particulars of in an attempt to learn the facts about something hidden, unique, or complex, especially in an attempt to find a motive, cause, or culprit:

   The police are investigating the murder.

verb (used without object)

, in·ves·ti·gat·ed, in·ves·ti·gat·ing.

1. to make inquiry, examination, or investigation.

investigate

/ ɪnˈvɛstɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to inquire into (a situation or problem, esp a crime or death) thoroughly; examine systematically, esp in order to discover the truth

Derived Forms

• inˈvestigable, adjective
• inˈvestigative, adjective

Other Words From

• in·vesti·gative in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry [in-, ves, -ti-g, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• in·vesti·gator noun
• prein·vesti·gate verb preinvestigated preinvestigating
• prein·vesti·gator noun
• quasi-in·vesti·gated adjective
• rein·vesti·gate verb reinvestigated reinvestigating
• unin·vesti·gated adjective
• unin·vesti·gating adjective
• unin·vesti·gative adjective
• unin·vesti·ga·tory adjective
• well-in·vesti·gated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of investigate¹

First recorded in 1500–10; from Latin investīgātus, past participle of investīgāre “to follow a trail, search out”; in- ², vestige, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of investigate¹

C16: from Latin investīgāre to search after, from in- ² + vestīgium track; see vestige

Example Sentences

Further work is needed to investigate things needed to implement the proposed system but have yet to be fully explored.

From Science Daily

His comments follow a row between Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson and Essex Police, who are investigating an allegation she breached the Public Order Act in a social media post last year.

From BBC

She is investigating ways to help people feel hopeful, inspired and compassionate about political challenges, since these emotions can motivate action without triggering stress and anxiety.

From Los Angeles Times

A third officer, who was a passenger in the car involved in the crash, is also being investigated for potential misconduct.

From BBC

The IDF says it’s investigating the incident, but Hanan’s grieving relatives have little hope or expectation that her killer will be brought to justice.

From BBC

Related Words

• consider
• examine
• explore
• inspect
• interrogate
• probe
• question
• review
• scrutinize
• search
• study