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.
verb
- to investigate (a crime, murder, problem, etc) again
verb
- to inquire into (a situation or problem, esp a crime or death) thoroughly; examine systematically, esp in order to discover the truth
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.