investigation
n.a careful and detailed search for facts or the truth about something. You use this when the police, a scientist, or a reporter looks into a problem to find out what happened.
n.a formal or systematic examination or research into a subject or incident. Often implies a search for evidence or the cause of a specific event.
“The police started an investigation into the robbery.”
“The fire department launched a full investigation to determine if the blaze was started by faulty wiring.”
“Following the whistle-blower's testimony, the committee initiated a thorough investigation into the company's financial records to uncover any evidence of systemic fraud.”
Often takes the preposition 'into' to specify the subject being examined.
While 'about' is sometimes used, 'into' is the standard and more precise preposition for a formal examination.
Usage investigation into an alleged · investigation into the incident · investigation found
“An investigation into the child’s death was launched and Gartshore, from Aberdeen, was arrested and charged in November 2023.”
“The circumstances of the incident are under investigation.”
Common in health writing
From Middle English investigacioun, from Old French investigacion, from Latin investigatio. Morphologically investigate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.