investigator

in-ves-ti-ga-tor · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who carries out a formal inquiry or investigation, especially one employed to examine cases or crimes.

  2. 2.

    A person who conducts research or systematic inquiry in a particular field.

Forms

plural: investigators

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    private investigator — a person hired privately to investigate matters
  • •
    lead investigator — the primary person in charge of an investigation
  • •
    principal investigator — the main researcher on a scientific project

Related words

See also: investigate, investigation, investigative, investigators
Synonyms: detective, examiner, inquirer, inspector, researcher

Etymology

From Latin investigator ("one who traces out"), from investigare ("to trace out, search after").