search

[surch]

verb (used with object)

1. to go or look through (a place, area, etc.) carefully in order to find something missing or lost.

   They searched the woods for the missing child. I searched the desk for the letter.

   Synonyms: investigate

2. to look at or examine (a person, object, etc.) carefully in order to find something concealed.

   He searched the vase for signs of a crack. The police searched the suspect for weapons.

   Synonyms: inspect

3. to explore or examine in order to discover.

   They searched the hills for gold.

4. to look at, read, or examine (a record, writing, collection, repository, etc.) for information.

   to search a property title; He searched the courthouse for a record of the deed to the land.

5. to look at or beneath the superficial aspects of to discover a motive, reaction, feeling, basic truth, etc..

   He searched her face for a clue to her true feelings.

6. to look into, question, or scrutinize.

   She searched her conscience.

7. (of natural elements) to pierce or penetrate.

   The sunlight searched the room's dark corners.

8. to uncover or find by examination or exploration (often followed byout ).

   to search out all the facts.

9. Military.,  to fire artillery over (an area) with successive changes in gun elevation.

10. Digital Technology.,  to electronically retrieve data, web pages, database records, or other information from (files, databases, etc.) by typing relevant terms into a search engine or other search tool.

    Most of us have searched the internet for medical advice.

verb (used without object)

1. to inquire, investigate, examine, or seek; conduct an examination or investigation.

noun

1. 1. the act of searching; careful examination or investigation.

      Her date with the guy she met online went badly, so her search for “Mr. Right” continues.

   2. an instance of this.

      Did the search turn up any clues?

   Synonyms: scrutiny, inspection

2. the practice, on the part of naval officers of a belligerent nation, of boarding and examining a suspected neutral vessel at sea in order to ascertain its true nationality and determine if it is carrying contraband.

   the right of visit and search.

3. Digital Technology.,  the act or process of electronically retrieving data, web pages, database records, or other information from files, databases, etc., as in

   A search of the article turned up two references to my company.

search

/ sɜːtʃ /

verb

1. to look through (a place, records, etc) thoroughly in order to find someone or something

2. (tr) to examine (a person) for concealed objects by running one's hands over the clothing

3. to look at or examine (something) closely

   to search one's conscience

4. to discover by investigation

5. surgery

   1. to explore (a bodily cavity) during a surgical procedure

   2. to probe (a wound)

6. (tr) military to fire all over (an area)

7. computing to review (a file) to locate specific information

8. archaic,  to penetrate

9. informal,  I don't know

noun

1. the act or an instance of searching

2. the examination of a vessel by the right of search

3. computing

   1. a review of a file to locate specific information

   2. ( as modifier )

      a search routine

4. international law the right possessed by the warships of a belligerent state in time of war to board and search merchant vessels to ascertain whether ship or cargo is liable to seizure

Other Word Forms

• searchable adjective
• searchableness noun
• searcher noun
• outsearch verb (used with object)
• presearch noun
• undersearch noun
• unsearched adjective
• well-searched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of search¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English verb serchen, cerchen, from Anglo-French sercher or directly from Old French cerchier, from Late Latin circāre “to go around,” derivative of Latin circus “circle”; noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of search¹

C14: from Old French cerchier, from Late Latin circāre to go around, from Latin circus _circle

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. search me, I don't know.

   Why has it taken so long to reach a decision? Search me.

More idioms and phrases containing search

• high and low, search
• in search of

Example Sentences

But Hey had training in search and rescue, so he struck up a conversation with Montgomery and asked a few important questions.

From Los Angeles Times

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the discovery during a routine search of the Commons chamber on Wednesday.

From BBC

It comes amid increased scrutiny by regulators worldwide over the tech giant's empire in online search and advertising.

From BBC

After the 2008 Pro Bowl player refused a field sobriety test, police said, a search warrant was obtained and a blood sample was taken at a hospital.

From Los Angeles Times

Like Peer Gynt in search of a greater truth, Oliphant willingly pitted himself against larger-than-life beasts and lived to tell the tale.

From Salon

Related Words

• check 
• comb 
• examine 
• explore 
• go through 
• hunt 
• hunt for www.thesaurus.com
• inspect 
• investigate 
• look 
• probe 
• ransack 
• scan 
• scour 
• scout 
• scrutinize 
• seek 
• sift 

When To Use

What is a basic definition of search?

Search means to look to find something that is missing or whose location has been forgotten or is unknown. It also means to carefully examine a person or thing to find something that is hidden. A more modern meaning of search is to enter a query on a search engine or website in order to find a specific page or piece of information. Search is also used as a noun to refer to the process of looking for something. Search has many other senses as both a verb and a noun.Most generally, search means to look for something. It usually implies something more thorough than just looking.Real-life examples: People search for buried treasure, missing children, and things that they have lost, among many other things. Sometimes, people are said to search for abstract things, such as meaning or happiness.Used in a sentence: We searched everywhere in the house for my sister’s missing toy. Search also means to look closely at or examine a person or thing to find something that may be concealed or hidden.Real-life examples: Police and security guards search people to check for weapons or illegal items they may be hiding on themselves or in something they own. Collectors or appraisers will often search an item for damage or signs that something may be fake.Used in a sentence: The art expert searched the statue to find the sculptor’s trademark signature that proved it was genuine. Search is also commonly used in the context of searching the internet, a website, or an individual webpage.Real-life examples: When you use a search engine, you enter a search term in order to view the search results to find what you’re looking for. This process is called a search. Used in a sentence: I searched for the exact phrase, but there were no results, so I tried another search using only keywords.As a noun, search also commonly refers to the process of trying to find something. An investigation is a kind of search for the truth.Real-life examples: Police often conduct searches to find missing people or suspects. People participate in or start searches focused on finding many different things, such as romantic partners, colleges, missing wallets, or answers to questions.Used in a sentence: I haven’t made much progress in my search for the perfect birthday present for my girlfriend.