investigate

Etymology

Recorded since circa 1510, a back-formation from investigation, from Latin investīgātiō (“a searching into”), from investīgātus, the past participle of investigare, equivalent to in- + vestigate. Displaced native Old English undersēċan (literally “to search under or between”).

verb

1. (transitive) To inquire into or study in order to ascertain facts or information.
   to investigate the causes of natural phenomena
2. (transitive) To examine, look into, or scrutinize in order to discover something hidden or secret.
   to investigate an unsolved murder
3. (intransitive) To conduct an inquiry or examination.
   "Why don't you investigate?" he demanded. And investigate I did. 1903, Jack London, The Shadow and the Flash