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-ˌtr-ē\ adjective
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Origin of INVESTIGATE

Latin investigatus, past participle of investigare to track, investigate, from in- + vestigium footprint, track
First Known Use: circa 1510

Rhymes with INVESTIGATE

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INVESTIGATOR 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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Next Word in the Dictionary: investigationalPrevious Word in the Dictionary: investigatableAll Words Near: investigate
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