investigate
/ɪnˈvestɪgeɪt/verb
with obj.
1- carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth调查：
police are today investigating a claim that the man was beaten unconscious by a gang.
警方今天正在调查是歹徒团伙打昏此人这一说法。
1.1
- carry out research or study into (a subject, typically one in a scientific or academic field) so as to discover facts or information深入研究（多指科学或学术领域）：
with clause future studies will investigate whether long-term use of the drugs could prevent cancer.未来的研究将深入探究长期服用这些药物是否能（有效）预防癌症。
1.2
- make inquiries as to the character, activities, or background of (someone)审查, 调查（性格、活动或背景）：
everyone with a possible interest in your brother's death must be thoroughly investigated.
所有可能与你兄弟死亡有利害关系的人都必须予以彻底调查。
1.3
- no obj. make a check to find out something核查, 检查（为发现某种情况）：
when you didn't turn up I thought I'd better come back to investigate.
由于你没有赶到, 我想我最好回来核查一下。
派生词
investigator
nouninvestigatory
adjective词源
early 16th cent.: from Latin investigat- 'traced out'， from the verb investigare, from in- 'into' + vestigare 'track， trace out'.