examine

ex·am·ine

verb \ig-ˈza-mən\

ex·am·inedex·am·in·ing \-ˈzam-niŋ, -ˈza-mə-\

Definition of EXAMINE

transitive verb

1

a : to inspect closely

b : to test the condition of

c : to inquire into carefully : investigate

2

a : to interrogate closely <examine a prisoner>

b : to test by questioning in order to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge

intransitive verb

: to make or give an examination

— ex·am·in·able \-ˈza-mə-nə-bəl\ adjective

— ex·am·in·er \-ˈzam-nər, -ˈza-mə-\ noun

Examples of EXAMINE

1. An accountant has been hired to examine the company's books.
2. The police examined the evidence carefully.
3. You should have your eyes examined.
4. He was examined by several doctors, who found nothing wrong with him.

Origin of EXAMINE

Middle English, from Anglo-French examiner, from Latin examinare, from examen

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to EXAMINE

Synonyms

catechize, grill, interrogate, pump, query, question, quiz, sweat [slang], give the third degree to, pick the brains of

Related Words

debrief; cross-examine, cross-question; annoy, harass, hound, pester; canvass (also canvas), poll

Near Antonyms

skim; glance (at or over); miss, overlook

See Synonym Discussion at scrutinize

Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis

Rhymes with EXAMINE

backgammon

ex·am·ine

verb \ig-ˈzam-ən\   (Medical Dictionary)

ex·am·ined; ex·am·in·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of EXAMINE

transitive verb

: to inspect or test for evidence of disease or abnormality <the doctor examined the young men and found them in perfect health>

intransitive verb

: to make or give an examination <the doctor will examine at the infirmary>