[in-ves-ti-geyt] 
verb, -gat⋅ed, -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, esp. in an attempt to find a motive, cause, or culprit: The police are investigating the murder. |
| 3. | to make inquiry, examination, or investigation. |
| in·ves·ti·gate (ĭn-věs'tĭ-gāt') v. in·ves·ti·gat·ed, in·ves·ti·gat·ing, in·ves·ti·gates v. tr. To observe or inquire into in detail; examine systematically. v. intr. To make a detailed inquiry or systematic examination. [Latin investīgāre, investīgāt- : in-, in; see in-2 + vestīgāre, to track (from vestīgium, footprint).] in·ves'ti·ga·ble (-gə-bəl) adj., in·ves'ti·ga·to'ry (-gə-tôr'ē, -tōr'ē) adj. |
tɪˌgeɪt