Synonyms

investigate

American

[in-ves-ti-geyt] / ɪnˈvɛs tɪˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

investigated, investigating

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)

investigated, investigating

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

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.

Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: "Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible."

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Police chief Chris Balmer has been tasked with leading the new initiative to help forces investigate and tackle "anti-democratic crimes".

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

“It affirms what our communities have always known: You cannot investigate injustice without the power to uncover the truth,” Eke said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The team plans to refine its predictions for future experiments and investigate how this framework connects to particle physics and other unanswered questions about the early universe.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Nhamo quickly tied her dress-cloth and went to investigate.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

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