investigate

verb

in-VES-ti-gayt/ɪnˈvɛs.tɪ.ɡeɪt/

Formsinvestigates, investigating, investigated

3 meanings of investigate

Practice

1
verbtransitive
To inquire into or study something carefully in order to establish the facts or gather information.
Researchers investigate the long-term effects of new medications before approval.
The committee investigated the accident and published a detailed report.
Similarexamine, study, research, explore, probe
2
verbtransitive
To examine or scrutinize something closely in order to discover what is hidden or kept secret.
Auditors investigate suspicious transactions to expose concealed fraud.
Journalists investigated the company's secret dealings for months.
Similarprobe, scrutinize, examine, inspect, check
3
verbintransitive
To conduct an inquiry or examination into a matter.
The police promised to investigate fully after the complaint was filed.
Inspectors arrived at the factory to investigate following the safety alarm.
Similarinquire, probe, check

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Origin

Recorded since around 1510 as a back-formation from 'investigation', formed with the verb-making suffix -ate. It ultimately comes from Latin 'investīgātiō' ('a searching into'), from the verb 'investīgō' (in- plus vestigate). It displaced the native Old English 'undersēċan', literally 'to search under or between'.