What does "search" mean?

1. (to look for something) to look through a place or an area very carefully to find something. 2. (to use the internet) to look for information on the internet using a computer or phone. 3. (an attempt to find) an act of looking for something or someone.

Is it correct to say "I searched my keys everywhere."?

No — say "I searched for my keys everywhere.". You search a place (the room), but you search FOR an object (the keys).

search

v. · n.

US //ˈsɝtʃ// UK //sˈɜːtʃ// search

1 to look for something (v.)
A2 Elementary

to look through a place or an area very carefully to find something.

to examine a place, person, or object thoroughly in order to find something concealed or lost.

Example

The police searched the entire house but they could not find the stolen jewelry.

Example

Customs officers searched the cargo container thoroughly, looking for any signs of undeclared goods or prohibited items.
- ignore
- overlook
Pitfall

I searched my keys everywhere.

I searched for my keys everywhere.

You search a place (the room), but you search FOR an object (the keys).
2 to use the internet (v.)
A2 Elementary Computing

to look for information on the internet using a computer or phone.

to use a search engine or database to retrieve specific information.

Example

I searched the web for a good Italian restaurant near the hotel.

Example

She searched the online archives for any mention of her great-grandfather's military service during the war.
- look up
- query

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3 an attempt to find (n.)
A2 Elementary

an act of looking for something or someone.

a systematic or organized attempt to locate something or someone.

Example

The rescue team called off the search when it became too dark to see.

Example

After a long and difficult search, the researchers finally discovered the rare plant growing deep in the valley.

Origin

From Middle English serchen, borrowed from Anglo-Norman sercher, Old French cerchier, from Late Latin circō, circāre (“to circle; go around; search for”), from Latin circa, circus. Not related to German suchen, which is cognate with English seek.