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

Essex Police later said officers were investigating a serious crash involving a Ferrari and asked for witnesses to come forward, as well as those with dashcam footage of the incident.

From BBC

Navarro got out of prison earlier this year after being convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress for defying a congressional subpoena from a House committee investigating the attack on the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

The leader of Edinburgh City Council, Labour's Cammy Day, is being investigated by police over an allegation of inappropriate behaviour.

From BBC

The motive for the killing is still being investigated.

From BBC

Police are investigating a Long Beach school safety officer after the officer fired their weapon at a burglary suspect.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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