investigate
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.
to make inquiry, examination, or investigation.
Origin of investigate
1Other words from investigate
- in·ves·ti·ga·tive, in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry [in-ves-ti-guh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], /ɪnˈvɛs tɪ gəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjective
- in·ves·ti·ga·tor, noun
- pre·in·ves·ti·gate, verb, pre·in·ves·ti·gat·ed, pre·in·ves·ti·gat·ing.
- pre·in·ves·ti·ga·tor, noun
- qua·si-in·ves·ti·gat·ed, adjective
- re·in·ves·ti·gate, verb, re·in·ves·ti·gat·ed, re·in·ves·ti·gat·ing.
- un·in·ves·ti·gat·ed, adjective
- un·in·ves·ti·gat·ing, adjective
- un·in·ves·ti·ga·tive, adjective
- un·in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry, adjective
- well-in·ves·ti·gat·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for investigate
/ (ɪnˈvɛstɪˌɡeɪt) /
to inquire into (a situation or problem, esp a crime or death) thoroughly; examine systematically, esp in order to discover the truth
Origin of investigate
1Derived forms of investigate
- investigable, adjective
- investigative or investigatory, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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