investigate

Universal Words verb 1 to carefully examine the facts of a situation, an event, a crime, etc. to find out the truth about it or how it happened: [V] The FBI has been called in to investigate. * (informal) 'What was that noise?' 'I'll go and investigate.' * [VN] Police are investigating possible links between the murders. [also Vwh-] 2 [VN] ~ sb (for sth) to try to find out information about sb's character, activities, etc: This is not the first time he has been investigated by the police for fraud. 3 to find out information and facts about a subject or problem by study or research: [VN] Scientists are investigating the effects of diet on fighting cancer. * [Vwh-] The research investigates how foreign speakers gain fluency. [also V]