An Encylopedia Britannica Company

April 16, 2018 Word of the Day

investigate /ɪnˈvɛstəˌgeɪt/ verb
investigate
/ɪnˈvɛstəˌgeɪt/
verb

investigates; investigated; investigating

The man is investigating the car for clues.
The man is investigating the car for clues.
Definition of INVESTIGATE

1 : 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.

[+ object]

  • The police are still investigating the murder.

  • The accident was thoroughly investigated.

[no object]

  • The manager promised to investigate when we pointed out an error on our bill.

2 [+ object] : to try to get information about (someone who may have done something illegal)

  • He was investigated for his involvement in the incident.

More Words of the Day