First Known Use: circa 1510
Dictionary
investigate
verb in·ves·ti·gate \in-ˈves-tə-ˌgāt\
: to try to find out the facts about (something, such as a crime or an accident) in order to learn how it happened, who did it, etc.
: to try to get information about (someone who may have done something illegal)
in·ves·ti·gat·edin·ves·ti·gat·ing
Full Definition of INVESTIGATE
transitive verb
: to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
intransitive verb
: to make a systematic examination; especially : to conduct an official inquiry
— in·ves·ti·ga·tion \-ˌves-tə-ˈgā-shən\ noun
— in·ves·ti·ga·tive \-ˈves-tə-ˌgā-tiv\ adjective
— in·ves·ti·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun
— in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry \-ˈves-ti-gə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective
See investigate defined for English-language learners
See investigate defined for kids
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Origin of INVESTIGATE
Latin investigatus, past participle of investigare to track, investigate, from in- + vestigium footprint, track
Related to INVESTIGATE
- Synonyms
- delve (into), dig (into), examine, inquire (into), explore, look (into), probe, research
Rhymes with INVESTIGATE
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INVESTIGATIVE Defined for Kids
investigate
verb in·ves·ti·gate \in-ˈve-stə-ˌgāt\
in·ves·ti·gat·edin·ves·ti·gat·ing
Definition of INVESTIGATE for Kids
: to study by close examination and questioning <Police are investigating the crime.>
— in·ves·ti·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun
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