investigate
Americanverb (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)
verb
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 authors emphasize that although NAD+-based supplements and therapies are being widely investigated, stronger collaboration and more rigorous clinical testing are essential.
From Science Daily
The state has also ramped up its own investigations and launched the Hospice Fraud Task Force, which makes arrests, shares intelligence, investigates fraud and coordinates enforcement.
From MarketWatch
Singh and other Sikh activists are urging the council to appoint an expert to investigate transnational repression, or for existing special rapporteurs to focus more on the issue.
From Barron's
"We will investigate the specific cases raised... where there are local issues, we focus on restoring normal service as quickly as possible and supporting customers."
From BBC
Initially, Anderson said she had to tell deputies investigating her report that her mother had dementia for them to take it more seriously and call in detectives.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
