SEARCH • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Search

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/sərtʃ/ Listen

noun

Search n. The act of seeking or looking for something; quest; inquiry; pursuit for finding something; examination. "Thus the orb he roamed With narrow search, and with inspection deep Considered every creature." "Nor did my search of liberty begin Till my black hairs were changed upon my chin."

Right of search (Mar. Law), the right of the lawfully commissioned cruisers of belligerent nations to examine and search private merchant vessels on the high seas, for the enemy's property or for articles contraband of war.

Search warrant (Law), a warrant legally issued, authorizing an examination or search of a house, or other place, for goods stolen, secreted, or concealed.

Synonyms: Scrutiny; examination; exploration; investigation; research; inquiry; quest; pursuit.

verb

Search v. t. (past & past part. searched; pres. part. searching)

To look over or through, for the purpose of finding something; to examine; to explore; as, to search the city. "Search the Scriptures." "They are come to search the house." "Search me, O God, and know my heart."

To inquire after; to look for; to seek. "I will both search my sheep, and seek them out." "Enough is left besides to search and know."

To examine or explore by feeling with an instrument; to probe; as, to search a wound.

To examine; to try; to put to the test.

To search out, to seek till found; to find by seeking; as, to search out truth.

Synonyms: To explore; examine; scrutinize; seek; investigate; pry into; inquire.

Search v. i. To seek; to look for something; to make inquiry, exploration, or examination; to hunt. "Once more search with me." "It sufficeth that they have once with care sifted the matter, and searched into all the particulars."

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Etymology of 'Search'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Search" Quotes from Famous Books

... ransack his tutor's desk for a piece of wax or twine necessary to his work. Moore happened to be absent. Mr. Hall, indeed, had called for him to take a long walk. Henry could not immediately find the object of his search. He rummaged compartment after compartment; and at last, opening an inner drawer, he came upon—not a ball of cord or a lump of beeswax, but a little bundle of small marble-coloured cahiers, tied with tape. Henry looked at them. "What ...

— Shirley • Charlotte Bronte

... and the surgeon had resolved to explore the house, in search of some one to whom he might make his errand known, when the room-door opened, and his last night's visitor, dressed in exactly the same manner, with the veil lowered as before, motioned him to advance. The singular height of her form, coupled with the circumstance of her not speaking, ...

— Sketches by Boz - illustrative of everyday life and every-day people • Charles Dickens

... Therefore, a certain plausible, shifty-eyed individual by the name of Linn was despatched to Omar on the first steamer. Landing at his destination, Mr. Linn quietly effaced himself, disappearing out the right-of-way, where he began moving from camp to camp, ostensibly in search of employment. ...

— The Iron Trail • Rex Beach

... side with all these lighter cares went on the schemes for the school. At last the two sisters determined to begin as soon as they saw a fair chance of getting pupils. They began the search in good earnest; but fortunately, postponed the necessary alterations in the house until they had the secure promise of, at any rate, three or four. Then their demands lessened as day by day that chance became more difficult and fainter. In early summer Charlotte writes: "As soon as I can get ...

— Emily Bront • A. Mary F. (Agnes Mary Frances) Robinson

... nevertheless, oh God, we, knowing Thy loving 'eart towards Thy sinful servants, do pray Thee that Thou wilt give us Thy blessing before we leave this Thy 'ouse this night; a new contrite 'eart is what we beg of Thee, that we may go out into this evil world taught by Thee to search out our ways and improve our thoughts, caring for nothing but Thee, following in Thy footsteps and making ready for Thy immediate Coming, which will be in Thine own good time and ...

— The Captives • Hugh Walpole

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