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

In 2022, Duke researchers, backed by the National Institutes of Health, began investigating whether stimulating the vagus nerve could affect SUMOylation and set off a natural anti-inflammatory response that calms immune responses and reduces inflammation.

From Science Daily

“The court found that ‘the public’s interest in ridding law enforcement of gangs is ‘substantial’ and that an inspector general’s decision to investigate is nonnegotiable,” he told The Times late Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

"We’re sometimes faced with allegations of crime where people have strong opposing views. That’s why we work so hard to remain impartial and to investigate allegations, regardless of where they might lead."

From BBC

Los Angeles Police Officer Kevin Terzes said the death is being investigated as “suspicious” and authorities have not yet determined how the individual died.

From Los Angeles Times

She also had to have a gastric tube fitted, lines inserted to allow nutrition, and multiple endoscopies, in which a camera is inserted into the body to investigate a condition.

From BBC

Related Words

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