investigate

investigate [in-ves-ti-geyt] Word Origin verb (used with object), in·ves·ti·gat·ed, in·ves·ti·gat·ing.

1. to examine, study, or inquire into systematically; search or examine into the particulars of; examine in detail.
2. 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.

3. 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 British Dictionary definitions for well-investigated investigate verb

1. 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, adjectiveWord Origin for investigate C16: from Latin investīgāre to search after, from in- ² + vestīgium track; see vestige Word Origin and History for well-investigated investigate v.

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.