ə̇nˈvestəˌgāt, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin investigatus, past participle of investigare, from in- in- (II) + vestigare to track, trace; akin to Latin vestigium trace, footprint
transitive verb
: to observe or study closely : inquire into systematically : examine , scrutinize
the whole brilliance of this novel lies in the fullness with which it investigates a past — Mark Schorer
a commission to investigate costs of industrial production — Broadus Mitchell
synthetic resins investigated for possible use in printing inks — H.J.Wolfe
investigating every square cubit of terrain which she might have covered — L.C.Douglas
specifically : to subject to an official probe
investigate a crime
investigate marine casualties
the F.B.I. investigates every applicant for federal employment
intransitive verb
: to make a systematic examination : study ; specifically : to conduct an official inquiry
the power of Congress to investigate is an implied power in the Constitution — New Republic