private investigator

American  

noun

1. private detective. PI, p.i., P.I.

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Etymology

Origin of private investigator

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

In their joint opening statement, the claimants accused a string of senior Mail and Mail on Sunday journalists of commissioning and using unlawfully gathered information from private investigators.

From BBC

Their plan is to save up enough to engage private investigators to try to trace the hackers.

From BBC

The seven accuse Associated Newspapers, publishers of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, of allegedly carrying out or commissioning unlawful activities such as hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars.

From Barron's

Yes, his journalists had used private investigators with databases to legally obtain phone numbers, so they didn't have to leaf through phone books.

From BBC

It emerged in court that Lighthouse had hired a private investigator to trace Nye's home address.

From BBC

Related Words

• P.I.
• inquiry agent
• private detective
• private dick
• private eye
• private investigator
• sleuth