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investigate

[ in-ves-ti-geyt ]
/ ɪnˈvɛs tɪˌgeɪt /
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verb (used with object), in·ves·ti·gat·ed, in·ves·ti·gat·ing.

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), in·ves·ti·gat·ed, in·ves·ti·gat·ing.

to make inquiry, examination, or investigation.

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RELATED WORDS

search, inspect, consider, explore, study, probe, question, scrutinize, interrogate, examine, review, prospect, spy, scout, tap, frisk, inquire, dig, research, read

Nearby words

  1. invertin,
  2. invertor,
  3. invest,
  4. investable,
  5. investigable,
  6. investigation,
  7. investigative,
  8. investigative new drug,
  9. investigator,
  10. investigatory

Origin of investigate

1500–10; < Latin investīgātus, past participle of investīgāre to follow a trail, search out. See in-2, vestige, -ate1
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for investigate

British Dictionary definitions for investigate

investigate

/ (ɪnˈvɛstɪˌɡeɪt) /

verb

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

Word Origin for investigate

C16: from Latin investīgāre to search after, from in- ² + vestīgium track; see vestige
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
Word Origin and History for investigate

investigate

v.

c.1500, back-formation from investigation, or else from Latin investigatus, past participle of investigare "to trace out, search after" (see investigation). Related: Investigated; investigating.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper