investigate

[ in-ves-ti-geyt ]

See 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

First recorded in 1500–10; from Latin investīgātus, past participle of investīgāre “to follow a trail, search out”; see in-², vestige, -ate¹

Other words from investigate

in·ves·ti·ga·tive, in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry [in-ves-ti-guh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], /ɪnˈvɛs tɪ gəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjective
in·ves·ti·ga·tor, noun
pre·in·ves·ti·gate, verb, pre·in·ves·ti·gat·ed, pre·in·ves·ti·gat·ing.
pre·in·ves·ti·ga·tor, noun
qua·si-in·ves·ti·gat·ed, adjective
re·in·ves·ti·gate, verb, re·in·ves·ti·gat·ed, re·in·ves·ti·gat·ing.
un·in·ves·ti·gat·ed, adjective
un·in·ves·ti·gat·ing, adjective
un·in·ves·ti·ga·tive, adjective
un·in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry, adjective
well-in·ves·ti·gat·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use investigate in a sentence

A grand jury investigated but found Foster had broken no law.
The Louisiana Racists Who Courted Steve Scalise | Jason Berry | January 3, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
Retired Det. Tom Nerney, formerly of the NYPD Major Case Squad, investigated Shakur.
Cuba Protects America’s Most Wanted | Michael Daly | December 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Some were already investigated, had become fugitives, and left the country illegally.
Russians Plot Exiled Government in Kiev | Anna Nemtsova | December 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
When Jackson found out about this campaign against him a year later, he made a formal request that every charge be investigated.
Stonewall Jackson, VMI’s Most Embattled Professor | S. C. Gwynne | November 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Los Angeles attorney Donald Steier claims that half of all accusations prove false once investigated.
How Sicko Priests Got Away With It | Barbie Latza Nadeau | November 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

The royal Audiencia has investigated this matter, on petition of the cabildo, in order to refer it to that royal council.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624 | Various
Benny and Violet scrambled through the underbrush to the place Jess pointed out, and investigated.
The Box-Car Children | Gertrude Chandler Warner
Either he continued to follow Carlson or he investigated the milk box which Carlson had mysteriously visited.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942 | Various
In addition to the points referred to in the tables, other questions have been investigated, although on a smaller scale.
A Statistical Inquiry Into the Nature and Treatment of Epilepsy | Alexander Hughes Bennett
White with anger and chagrin, the doctor stood roundly abusing the man who had investigated that lonely house.
The Doctor of Pimlico | William Le Queux

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

Origin of investigate

C16: from Latin investīgāre to search after, from in- ² + vestīgium track; see vestige

Derived forms of investigate

investigable, adjective
investigative or investigatory, adjective

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

Browse