■ verb
1》 try to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly.
↘examine thoroughly in order to find something.
↘look for information in (a computer network or database) by using a ~ engine.
2》 [as adjective ~ing ] scrutinizing thoroughly, especially in a disconcerting way.
■ noun (often in phr. in ~ of ) an act of ~ing.
↘ Law an investigation of public records to find if a property is subject to any liabilities or encumbrances.
Phrases
~ me! informal I do not know.
Derivatives
~able adjective
~er noun
~ingly adverb
Origin
ME: from OFr. cerchier (v.), from late L. circare 'go round', from L. circus 'circle'.