probing

[proh-bing]

adjective

1. examining, investigating, or exploring something in a deep or searching way.

   There was scarcely any discussion of the proposal—no probing questions, and no legal or ethical issues raised.

noun

1. the act or practice of examining, investigating, or exploring something in a deep or searching way.

   Constant probing of the night sky by scientists reveals an abundance of activity within our solar system.

2. the act of examining or exploring something by means of a probe or any of various instruments, devices, etc..

   Probing of the blocked duct was done under anesthesia.

3. Computers.,  the process of scanning a network, database, webpage, web app, etc., in order to obtain information about its structure and any security weaknesses that could be used to launch an attack: undertaken either maliciously by hostile parties, or diagnostically and preventively by those wishing to improve security.

Other Word Forms

• probingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of probing¹

First recorded in 1660–70; 2000–05 gauging for def. 3; probe ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective sense; probe ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses

Example Sentences

At least some people younger than 65 are encountering pharmacy staff asking probing questions about their medical conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

The Commission on Judicial Performance, the state agency responsible for probing complaints of judicial misconduct and incapacity as well as disciplining judges, issued its findings in August.

From Los Angeles Times

The FA is probing the banner and will decide whether Palace face punishment.

From BBC

Speaking at the Nato summit at the time, Hegseth had said that the report was made on "low intelligence" and that the FBI was probing the leak.

From BBC

An impromptu exchange on chemical reactions followed, with the judge probing her on laboratory processes.

From BBC

Related Words

• astute 
• discerning 
• incisive 
• insightful 
• penetrating 
• perceptive 
• piercing 
• subtle 
• trenchant