In·ves·ti·gate v. t. [imp. & p. p. Investigated p. pr. & vb. n. Investigating.] To follow up step by step by patient inquiry or observation; to trace or track mentally; to search into; to inquire and examine into with care and accuracy; to find out by careful inquisition; as, to investigate the causes of natural phenomena.
investigating
n : the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and
systematically [syn: investigation]