— investigative, investigatory /in ves"ti geuh tawr'ee, -tohr'ee/ , adj. — investigator , n.
/in ves"ti gayt'/ , v. , investigated, investigating .
v.t.
1. to examine, study, or inquire into systematically; search or examine into the particulars of; examine in detail.
2. to search out and examine the particulars of in an attempt to learn the facts about something hidden, unique, or complex, esp. in an attempt to find a motive, cause, or culprit: The police are investigating the murder.
v.i.
3. to make inquiry, examination, or investigation.
[ 1500-10; investigatus, ptp. of investigare to follow a trail, search out. See IN- 2 , VESTIGE, -ATE 1 ]