v.tr.

To make a thorough examination of; look over carefully in order to find something; explore.

To make a careful examination or investigation of; probe: search one’s conscience for the right solution to the problem.

Law. To make a thorough check of (a legal document); scrutinize: search a title.

To examine in order to find something lost or concealed.

To examine the person or personal effects of in order to find something lost or concealed.

To come to know; learn.

v.intr.

To conduct a thorough investigation; seek: were searching for clues.

n.

An act of searching.

Law. The exercise of right of search.

idiom:

search me Slang.

Used by a speaker to indicate that he or she does not have an answer to a question just asked.

re·search (rĭ-sûrch’, rē’sûrch’)

n.

Scholarly or scientific investigation or inquiry. See synonyms at inquiry.

Close, careful study.

v., -searched, -search·ing, -search·es.

v.intr.

To engage in or perform research.

v.tr.

To study (something) thoroughly so as to present in a detailed, accurate manner: researching the effects of acid rain.

To do research for: research a magazine article.