Synonyms

investigate

American

[in-ves-ti-geyt] / ɪnˈvɛs tɪˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

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)

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

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Etymology

Origin of investigate

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

Explanation

To investigate is to look into something systematically. If you don't understand how tornadoes work, for example, investigate the forces of wind and find out. Investigate still acts a lot like the word it comes from, investigationem meaning "a searching into," which came from the Latin for "to track a footprint." It's exactly what you do when you investigate. You can investigate in the name of science, which is to look into something systematically, like when you research how tornadoes work. If you investigate a person, you find out everything you can — and you might need to hire a private eye for help.

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Vocabulary lists containing investigate

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Word Generation Science - Preparing a Scientific Investigation

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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.

To investigate the idea, the researchers combined biochemical and biophysical methods with high-resolution microscopy and neuron-based assays.

From Science Daily • Jun. 21, 2026

The incident prompted an immediate pause in carriage operations while city agencies and law enforcement investigate what led to the horse bolting.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2026

The bill would also fund $5 million in annual research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the public-health implications of social isolation and help Americans feel more connected.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 19, 2026

Unlike crashes involving private and commercial planes, the National Transportation Safety Board does not investigate military plane crashes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

The two men had come to investigate the strength of Kate and Leah’s powers.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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