investigate

verb

Etymology: Recorded since circa 1510, a back-formation from investigation on the basis of -ate (verb-forming suffix), from Latin investīgātiō (“a searching into”), from investīgātus, the perfect passive participle of investīgō, equivalent to in- + vestigate. Displaced native Old English undersēċan (literally “to search under or between”).

1. To inquire into or study in order to ascertain facts or information.

   “to investigate the causes of natural phenomena”

   “He was asked to investigate a robbery.”

2. To examine, look into, or scrutinize in order to discover something hidden or secret.

   “to investigate an unsolved murder”

3. To conduct an inquiry or examination.

   “"Why don't you investigate?" he demanded. And investigate I did.”