investigation

[in-ves-ti-gey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of investigating or the condition of being investigated.

   Synonyms: exploration, scrutiny

2. a searching inquiry for ascertaining facts; detailed or careful examination.

   Synonyms: exploration, scrutiny

investigation

/ ɪnˌvɛstɪˈɡeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of investigating; a careful search or examination in order to discover facts, etc

Other Word Forms

• investigational adjective
• preinvestigation noun
• reinvestigation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of investigation¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English investigacio(u)n from Latin investīgātiōn- (stem of investīgātiō ). See investigate, -ion

Synonym Study

Investigation, examination, inquiry, research express the idea of an active effort to find out something. An investigation is a systematic, minute, and thorough attempt to learn the facts about something complex or hidden; it is often formal and official: an investigation of a bank failure. An examination is an orderly attempt to obtain information about or to make a test of something, often something presented for observation: a physical examination. An inquiry is an investigation made by asking questions rather than by inspection, or by study of available evidence: an inquiry into a proposed bond issue. Research is careful and sustained investigation.

Example Sentences

The force said it arrested the man on 1 April on suspicion of murder and he was released while the investigation into Ms Trujillo's death continued.

From BBC

While an investigation into the cause of the crash is under way, there was much speculation among mourners.

From BBC

The clearest emerging litmus test is opposition to sending offensive weapons, but other issues could loom large in Democratic primaries, including recognizing a Palestinian state and allowing international investigations of Israeli war crimes.

From Salon

"His family have had to endure repeated investigation and examination of his body and a significant delay to putting their loved one to rest," she added.

From BBC

The capital's public transport operator, Carris, said all funiculars would be inspected and that it had launched an independent investigation.

From BBC

Related Words

• analysis 
• case 
• examination 
• hearing 
• inquiry 
• inspection 
• probe 
• research 
• review 
• scrutiny 
• search 
• study 
• survey 

When To Use

What does investigation mean?

An investigation is a thorough search for facts, especially those that are hidden or need to be sorted out in a complex situation. The goal of an investigation is usually to determine how or why something happened.Investigations are usually formal and official. The word is commonly associated with police investigations of criminal activity, but it is used in many other contexts to refer to the process of investigating—systematically finding and examining evidence.Example: After a six-month investigation, this news organization uncovered widespread corruption.