investigate

American

[in-ves-ti-geyt] / ɪnˈvɛs tɪˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

investigated, investigating

to examine, study, or inquire into systematically; search or examine into the particulars of; examine in detail.
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)

investigated, investigating

to make inquiry, examination, or investigation.

investigate British

/ ɪnˈvɛstɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

investigable adjective
investigative adjective
investigator noun
investigatory adjective
preinvestigate verb
preinvestigator noun
quasi-investigated adjective
reinvestigate verb
uninvestigated adjective
uninvestigating adjective
uninvestigative adjective
uninvestigatory adjective
well-investigated adjective

Etymology

Origin of investigate

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The BBC has investigated this case over nine years, previously reporting that some witnesses had said they gave false evidence after being pressured by police.

From BBC

In January, he gave a statement to a commission established by the interim government to investigate the deadly crackdown on the youth-led uprising.

From Barron's

Dame Antonia Romeo, understood to be the government's favoured candidate for cabinet secretary, was investigated over three allegations when she worked in New York in 2017.

From BBC

Although epibatidine has been investigated as a painkiller and for relief from painful inflammatory lung conditions, it is not used clinically because of its toxicity.

From BBC

Amazon said it was "aware" of the situation and was "investigating".

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023