investigate
Americanverb (used with object)
-
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)
verb
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.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s office in Minnesota is investigating more than a dozen incidents involving federal immigration officials that occurred during an enforcement surge targeting the Twin Cities.
Researchers will investigate whether it had any previous injuries or illness which may have made it more vulnerable to attack.
From BBC
Demi's death is still being investigated and area coroner Rose Farmer adjourned the inquest until 26 November.
From BBC
He has investigated the agendas of powerful fossil fuel billionaires, delved into epic feuds pitting some of the world's largest energy companies against each other, and revealed how drillers navigate a treacherous political landscape.
Both the broadcaster and the arts charity released official apologies, and the BBC promised to investigate the matter.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
