Investigate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪnˈves.tɪ.É¡eɪt/

Origin

Recorded since circa 1510, a back-formation from investigation, from Latin investigatio "a searching into", from investigatus, the past participle of investigare, itself from in- "in(to)" + vestigare "to track, trace" (from vestigium "footprint, track", of unknown origin)

Full definition of investigate

Verb

1. (transitive) To inquire into or study in order to ascertain facts or information.to investigate the causes of natural phenomena
2. (transitive) To examine, look into, or scrutinize in order to discover something hidden or secret.to investigate an unsolved murder
3. (intransitive) To conduct an inquiry or examination.
• 1903, Jack London, "The Shadow and the Flash,""Why don't you investigate?" he demanded. And investigate I did.

Synonyms

• underseek

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