term:

Investigate

investigate vb

-gat·ed
-gat·ing
vt
: to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
;specif
: to make (a criminal suspect) the subject of inquiry and study for the purpose of establishing probable cause
vi
: to make a systematic examination
;esp
: to conduct an official inquiry
in·ves·ti·ga·tion [in-ves-tə-gā-shən]
n

in·ves·ti·ga·tion·al [-shə-nəl]
adj

in·ves·ti·ga·tive [in-ves-tə-gā-tiv]
adj

in·ves·ti·ga·tor [-gā-tər]
n

in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry [in-ves-tə-gə-tōr-ē]
adj

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.