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
Experts from Congo's National Rapid Response Team and WHO have been deployed to Panzi last week to take samples and investigate, but the remote location—over 435 miles from Kinshasa—posed logistical challenges.
—
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
The news comes just one day after Robert Wheeler, the assistant director of the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group, testified to Congress that the bureau was investigating the unexplained drone sightings near sensitive U.S. military sites.
—Brad Dress, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024
While risk to the public remains low, the local health department is working with the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the case.
—Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2024
German authorities are investigating the sports company’s compliance with customs and tax regulations when importing products into Germany, over a period spanning from October 2019 to August 2024.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for investigate 
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Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
The news comes just one day after Robert Wheeler, the assistant director of the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group, testified to Congress that the bureau was investigating the unexplained drone sightings near sensitive U.S. military sites.
—Brad Dress, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024
While risk to the public remains low, the local health department is working with the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the case.
—Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2024
German authorities are investigating the sports company’s compliance with customs and tax regulations when importing products into Germany, over a period spanning from October 2019 to August 2024.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 11 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 17 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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