Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Investigate
In-ves′ti-gate
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Investigated
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Investigating
.] [L.
investigatus
, p. p. of investigare
to investigate; pref. in-
in + vestigare
to track, trace. See Vestige
.] To follow up step by step by patient inquiry or observation; to trace or track mentally; to search into; to inquire and examine into with care and accuracy; to find out by careful inquisition;
as, to
. investigate
the causes of natural phenomenaIn-ves′ti-gate
,Verb.
I.
To pursue a course of investigation and study; to make investigation.
Webster 1828 Edition
Investigate
INVEST'IGATE
,Verb.
T.
To search into; to inquire and examine into with care and accuracy; to find out by careful disquisition; as, to investigate the powers and forces of nature; to investigate the causes of natural phenomena; to investigate the principles of moral duty; to investigate the conduct of an agent or the motives of a prince.
Definition 2024
investigate
investigate
English
Verb
investigate (third-person singular simple present investigates, present participle investigating, simple past and past participle investigated)
- (transitive) To inquire into or study in order to ascertain facts or information.
- to investigate the causes of natural phenomena
- (transitive) To examine, look into, or scrutinize in order to discover something hidden or secret.
- to investigate an unsolved murder
- (intransitive) To conduct an inquiry or examination.
- 1903, Jack London, "The Shadow and the Flash,"
- "Why don't you investigate?" he demanded. And investigate I did.
- 1903, Jack London, "The Shadow and the Flash,"
Synonyms
Related terms
Terms related to "investigate"
Translations
to inquire into, study
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to examine
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to conduct an inquiry or examination
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Italian
Verb
investigate
- second-person plural present indicative of investigare
- second-person plural imperative of investigare
- feminine plural of investigato