investigate
verb
in·ves·ti·gate in-ˈve-stə-ˌgāt 
investigated; investigating
transitive verb
: to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
intransitive verb
: to make a systematic examination
especially : to conduct an official inquiry
investigation
in-ˌve-stə-ˈgā-shən
noun investigative
in-ˈve-stə-ˌgā-tiv
adjective investigatory
in-ˈve-sti-gə-ˌtȯr-ē
adjective 
Synonyms
- delve (into)
- dig (into)
- examine
- explore
- inquire (into)
- look (into)
- probe
- research
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
The police are still investigating the murder. The accident was thoroughly investigated. The manager promised to investigate when we pointed out an error on our bill. He was investigated for his involvement in the incident.
Recent Examples on the Web Rollins said her office will continue to investigate such hate crimes. 
Sophie Reardon, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2022 As police continue to investigate, Fletcher's family is grappling with the loss of the woman who devoted her life to her children and her community. Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 The Securities and Exchange Commission will continue to investigate and pursue wrongdoing in the crypto assets space despite a chorus of complaints about the level of scrutiny being placed on the industry, a top official said. Richard Vanderford, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 Detectives continue to investigate the series of indecent exposures & assaults on the WO&D Trail. Omari Daniels, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022 Officers were unable to locate the suspect and continue to investigate. cleveland, 12 Aug. 2022 The police continue to investigate the cause of the crash. Caitlyn Freeman, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2022 Norfolk Police continue to investigate a shooting at a party that left five people injured and two dead, including a nursing student, officials stated. Elaine Aradillas, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2022 San Mateo police continue to investigate the incident. Gregory Yeestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2022 See More
Sophie Reardon, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2022 As police continue to investigate, Fletcher's family is grappling with the loss of the woman who devoted her life to her children and her community. Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 The Securities and Exchange Commission will continue to investigate and pursue wrongdoing in the crypto assets space despite a chorus of complaints about the level of scrutiny being placed on the industry, a top official said. Richard Vanderford, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 Detectives continue to investigate the series of indecent exposures & assaults on the WO&D Trail. Omari Daniels, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022 Officers were unable to locate the suspect and continue to investigate. cleveland, 12 Aug. 2022 The police continue to investigate the cause of the crash. Caitlyn Freeman, Baltimore Sun, 2 Aug. 2022 Norfolk Police continue to investigate a shooting at a party that left five people injured and two dead, including a nursing student, officials stated. Elaine Aradillas, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2022 San Mateo police continue to investigate the incident. Gregory Yeestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin investigatus, past participle of investigare to track, investigate, from in- + vestigium footprint, track
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
Kids Definition
investigate
verb
in·ves·ti·gate in-ˈve-stə-ˌgāt
investigated; investigating
: to study by close examination and questioning
Police are investigating the crime.
Legal Definition
investigate
verb
in·ves·ti·gate in-ˈves-tə-ˌgāt
investigated; investigating
transitive verb
: to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
specifically : to make (a criminal suspect) the subject of inquiry and study for the purpose of establishing probable cause
intransitive verb
: to make a systematic examination
especially : to conduct an official inquiry
investigation
noun
as in inquiry
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something officials launched an extensive investigation of the plane crash Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- inquiry
- examination
- exploration
- study
- probe
- research
- probing
- inspection
- inquisition
- inquest
- delving
- probation
- survey
- disquisition
- audit
- questionnaire
- examen
- interrogation
- quest
- diagnosis
- hearing
- trial
- reinvestigation
- question
- checkup
- poll
- challenge
- query
- rehearing
- grilling
- questionary
- check
- cross-examination
- quiz
- feeler
- self-examination
- soul-searching
- self-scrutiny
- going-over
- self-reflection
- self-exploration
- self-questioning