in‧ves‧ti‧ga‧tion W2 AC / ɪnvestɪɡeɪʃ ə n / 名词

1 [可数名词] an official attempt to find out the truth about or the cause of something such as a crime, accident, or scientific problem :

The investigation continued for nearly three years.

investigation into

The authorities are planning to launch a full-scale investigation into the crash.

investigation of

Baker demanded an investigation of the district attorney’s office.

a criminal investigation

A private detective was hired to conduct the investigation .

2 [不可数名词] the act of investigating something

investigation of

the investigation of computer fraud

under investigation (= being investigated )

The whole issue is still under investigation.

THESAURUS

investigation a process in which the police or another organization try to find out the truth about a crime or accident : Following a major police investigation, two men were arrested. | The investigation into the causes of the air crash are continuing.

inquiry an official process to find out why something happened, which usually takes several months or years : Local people are calling for an inquiry into the accident. | An independent inquiry found serious shortcomings at the children’s home.

case a matter that police or officials are trying to find out information about, especially so that it can be dealt with in a court of law : The case has never been solved. | The police say it is one of the most puzzling cases they have had to deal with.

probe an investigation in which many questions are asked to find out the truth about something – used especially in journalism : The TV show featured a probe into charges charged by high street banks.

inquest a legal investigation to find out why someone died : The inquest heard that Mr Swan was poisoned.

survey a process in which people are asked questions in order to find out about their opinions or about their behaviour : They did a survey to find out the most popular pop star. | Based on a survey of 250 companies, the report says that ‘ over two thirds of companies expect operating costs to increase as a result of addressing environmental issues.

autopsy British English a medical examination of a dead person’s body, to find out why that person died : If she died of a drug overdose, it would show up in the autopsy.