investigate
[in-ves-ti-geyt]
- 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.
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- to make inquiry, examination, or investigation.
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Origin of investigate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
search, inspect, consider, explore, study, probe, question, scrutinize, interrogate, examine, review, prospect, spy, scout, tap, frisk, inquire, dig, research, readExamples from the Web for investigate
Contemporary Examples
When there were disputes between students, Mecallari would leave one party with Ramos while he went to investigate.
Starr stresses that universities are required under Title IX to investigate and intervene in sexual assault cases.
The campaign also said that they would be asking state and federal authorities to investigate.
The National Transportation Safety Board also will investigate the crash, a spokesman told The Daily Beast.
It had been a headline case, and a task force of over a hundred detectives had been assigned to investigate.
Historical Examples
He gave a twitch of his fingers upon the reins, and turned from the trail to investigate.
Good IndianB. M. Bower
He resolved to investigate the subject some time when he had leisure.
In a Steamer Chair and Other StoriesRobert Barr
In the meanwhile, I am going to investigate that old ark myself.
The Inn at the Red OakLatta Griswold
And while they are away, I'll investigate the Oak Parlour myself.
The Inn at the Red OakLatta Griswold
It is this phase of primitive society that we have to investigate.
The Truth About WomanC. Gasquoine Hartley
investigate
- to inquire into (a situation or problem, esp a crime or death) thoroughly; examine systematically, esp in order to discover the truth
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Word Origin
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
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Word Origin and History for 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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper