investigation
in-ves-ti-GAY-shuhn/ɪnˌvɛs.tɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
Pluralinvestigations
- 1The process of inquiring into or following up on something, especially through patient, thorough examination.
The committee launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
Years of patient investigation eventually revealed the origins of the disease.
UsageAn investigation into something; a person or matter being looked into is under investigation.
Similarinquiry, probe, examination, research, study
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Origin
This word came into Middle English as "investigacioun" from Old French "investigacion," which came from Latin "investigatio." It can also be seen as "investigate" plus the suffix "-ion."
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- The word existed in Middle English as investigacioun. en.wiktionary.org
- The Middle English word came from Old French investigacion. en.wiktionary.org
- The Old French word came from Latin investigatio. en.wiktionary.org
- The word can be analyzed morphologically as investigate plus -ion. en.wiktionary.org