noun

investigation

in-ves-tih-GAY-shuhn/ɪnˌvestɪˈɡeɪʃn/

A careful inquiry to discover facts or establish the truth.

The investigation compares footprints with photographs from the scene.

Investigators compare footprints and photographs at a roped-off scene.

Etymology

inLatinin, into

+vestigLatinto track, trace

+ationLatinaction or process

The tracking root comes from a word for a footprint. Following tracks became a figurative image for searching into a matter—the careful pursuit of facts expressed by investigation.

In context

True Crime Cam8:59

the scope of this search the area to be searched is over 2500 square ft with regard to the investigation there have been no arrests to date

Funeral Home of Horrors: 190 Bodies Found at Return to Nature in Penrose, CO... Jon Hallford FREE

More examples

She began an investigation into the missing funds.
Several investigations examined the same events.
The report summarized the investigation's findings.

Forms

investigation · investigations

investigate verb — Examine carefully to discover facts.

Similar words

inquiry: A process of seeking facts or answers.
examination: A close inspection that may be part of an investigation.