search
search Lexical Profile
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• noun
An act of looking thoroughly in a place or collection of items in order to find someone or something.
"The rescue team conducted a thorough search of the forest before nightfall."
The process of querying a computer database, network, or the internet to retrieve specific information.
"A quick online search revealed the opening hours of the museum."
An official examination of a person's property, premises, or body by law enforcement or security personnel to look for evidence or contraband.
"Customs officers carried out a routine search of the cargo containers at the port."
• verb
To try to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly.
"She searched through her desk drawers for the missing contract."
To query a computer database, file system, or network to locate specific data or records.
"You can search the library catalog by author, title, or subject keyword."
To examine a place, vehicle, or person thoroughly in order to find something concealed.
"Security guards searched every bag before allowing visitors into the stadium."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Search' takes a direct object when referring to the place or container being examined (e.g., 'search the room'), whereas 'search for' is used when specifying the missing person or object being sought (e.g., 'search for the keys').
• Rhymes for search
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English from Anglo-Norman 'sercher' and Old French 'cerchier' ('to seek out, explore'), which derived from Late Latin 'circāre' ('to go around, wander through'), ultimately from Latin 'circus' ('circle').