INVESTIGATE

[in.ves.ti.gate] vb -gat.ed ; -gat.ing [L investigatus, pp. of investigare to track, investigate, fr. in- + vestigium footprint, track] vt (ca. 1510): to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry ~ vi: to make a systematic examination; esp: to conduct an official inquiry -- in.ves.ti.ga.tion n -- in.ves.ti.ga.tion.al adj -- in.ves.ti.ga.tive adj -- in.ves.ti.ga.tor n -- in.ves.ti.ga.to.ry adj