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
-
investigableadjective
-
investigativeadjective
-
investigatornoun
-
investigatoryadjective
-
preinvestigateverb
-
preinvestigatornoun
-
quasi-investigatedadjective
-
reinvestigateverb
-
uninvestigatedadjective
-
uninvestigatingadjective
-
uninvestigativeadjective
-
uninvestigatoryadjective
-
well-investigatedadjective
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.
Vocabulary lists containing investigate
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
List 8
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Word Generation Science - Preparing a Scientific Investigation
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Bournemouth have dropped defender Alex Jimenez from their squad while they investigate posts on social media.
From BBC • May 8, 2026
"We have been working urgently to investigate the issue and have identified that the affected packs relate to a supplementary print run for the Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf and Caerdydd Penarth constituencies," it said.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
The incident has prompted the closure of the westbound 210 lanes at Polk Street, with traffic diverted to State Route 118 as police investigate the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
To investigate further, the researchers focused on a widely used material found in sensors, actuators, and defense systems, a lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate alloy.
From Science Daily • May 4, 2026
No people poked their heads out of their massive homes to investigate the intruders.
From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia
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.
