investigate
verb
in·ves·ti·gate
in-ˈve-stə-ˌgāt 
investigated; investigating
: to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
: to make a systematic examination
especially
: to conduct an official inquiry
Synonyms
Examples of investigate in a Sentence
The police are still investigating the murder.
The accident was thoroughly investigated.
The manager promised to investigate when we pointed out an error on our bill.
He was investigated for his involvement in the incident.
Recent Examples on the Web
Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta stated Sunday that authorities are actively investigating the suspect's background and whether the victim was homeless, as part of an ongoing police inquiry.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
The often secretive, bipartisan panel has investigated claims against Gaetz since 2021.
—Farnoush Amiri and Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Watch on Amazon The Order Jude Law is terrific playing against type as Terry Husk, a veteran FBI agent tasked with investigating a baffling string of daylight robberies that have been escalating in terms of violence.
—Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024
Most recently, the CFPB filed a complaint against the operator of the Zelle payments network, as well as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, alleging that the firms failed to properly investigate fraud complaints or give victims reimbursement.
—Kristian Burt, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for investigate 
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Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
The often secretive, bipartisan panel has investigated claims against Gaetz since 2021.
—Farnoush Amiri and Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Watch on Amazon The Order Jude Law is terrific playing against type as Terry Husk, a veteran FBI agent tasked with investigating a baffling string of daylight robberies that have been escalating in terms of violence.
—Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024
Most recently, the CFPB filed a complaint against the operator of the Zelle payments network, as well as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, alleging that the firms failed to properly investigate fraud complaints or give victims reimbursement.
—Kristian Burt, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for investigate
Dictionary Entries Near investigate
Cite this Entry
“Investigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investigate. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
investigate
verb
in·ves·ti·gate
in-ˈves-tə-ˌgāt
investigated; investigating
: to study by close examination and systematic inquiry
Etymology
from Latin investigare "to track, investigate," from in- "in, toward" and vestigium "footprint" — related to vestige
Word Origin
A detective investigating a crime may find the criminal by following clues. In much the same way, a hunter may find game by following tracks. The origins of the word investigate show how fitting it is to compare the detective to the hunter. The Latin word vestigium meant "footprint, track." Joined with the prefix in-, the noun vestigium gave rise to the verb investigare. This word meant both "to track or trace by footprints" and "to study or examine closely." Only the second meaning was kept when the verb was borrowed into English as investigate.
Legal Definition
investigate
verb
in·ves·ti·gate
in-ˈves-tə-ˌgāt
investigated; investigating
: to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
specifically
: to make (a criminal suspect) the subject of inquiry and study for the purpose of establishing probable cause
: to make a systematic examination
especially
: to conduct an official inquiry
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