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Definition of investigation

investigation

/ɪnˌvɛs.tɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
in · ves · ti · ga · tion
Adverb:investigatively
•
Plural:investigations
•
Adjective:investigative
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investigation Lexical Profile

investigation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A formal or systematic examination, inquiry, or search conducted to uncover facts and establish the truth about an event, problem, or allegation.

Example

"The committee launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the power outage."

2

A detailed academic, scientific, or intellectual study of a particular subject or phenomenon.

Example

"Her doctoral dissertation involved a five-year investigation of deep-sea hydrothermal vents."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for investigation

• Rhymes for investigation

• Nearby Words

investable
investible
investigate
investigation
investigative
investigator
investigatory

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin investigatio, a noun of action from investigare ('to trace out, track, or search into'), formed from in- ('into') and vestigium ('footprint, track').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Investigation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/investigation
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