investigate

[in-ves-ti-geyt]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR investigate ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Origin of investigate

1500–10; < Latin investīgātus, past participle of investīgāre to follow a trail, search out. See in-², vestige, -ate¹

Related formsin·ves·ti·ga·tive, in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry

[in-ves-ti-guh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /ɪnˈvɛs tɪ gəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjectivein·ves·ti·ga·tor, nounpre·in·ves·ti·gate, verb, pre·in·ves·ti·gat·ed, pre·in·ves·ti·gat·ing.pre·in·ves·ti·ga·tor, nounqua·si-in·ves·ti·gat·ed, adjectivere·in·ves·ti·gate, verb, re·in·ves·ti·gat·ed, re·in·ves·ti·gat·ing.un·in·ves·ti·gat·ed, adjectiveun·in·ves·ti·gat·ing, adjectiveun·in·ves·ti·ga·tive, adjectiveun·in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry, adjectivewell-in·ves·ti·gat·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for investigate

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

Examples from the Web for investigate

Contemporary Examples of investigate

When there were disputes between students, Mecallari would leave one party with Ramos while he went to investigate.
In The Shadow of Murdered Cops
Michael Daly
December 26, 2014
Starr stresses that universities are required under Title IX to investigate and intervene in sexual assault cases.
Is Columbia Failing Campus Rape Victims?
Lizzie Crocker
November 6, 2014
The campaign also said that they would be asking state and federal authorities to investigate.
Grimes Campaign “Exploring Legal Options” Against McConnell
Ben Jacobs
October 31, 2014
The National Transportation Safety Board also will investigate the crash, a spokesman told The Daily Beast.
SpaceShipTwo Flew on Untested Rocket
Dave Majumdar, Clive Irving
October 31, 2014
It had been a headline case, and a task force of over a hundred detectives had been assigned to investigate.
The Myth of the Central Park Five
Edward Conlon
October 19, 2014

Historical Examples of investigate

He gave a twitch of his fingers upon the reins, and turned from the trail to investigate.
Good Indian
B. M. Bower
He resolved to investigate the subject some time when he had leisure.
In a Steamer Chair and Other Stories
Robert Barr
In the meanwhile, I am going to investigate that old ark myself.
The Inn at the Red Oak
Latta Griswold
And while they are away, I'll investigate the Oak Parlour myself.
The Inn at the Red Oak
Latta Griswold
It is this phase of primitive society that we have to investigate.
The Truth About Woman
C. Gasquoine Hartley

British Dictionary definitions for investigate

investigate

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

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.