Examine \Ex*am"ine\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Examined; p. pr. & vb. n. Examining.]

[L. examinare, examinatum, fr. examen, examinis: cf. F. examiner. See Examen.]

1. To test by any appropriate method; to inspect carefully with a view to discover the real character or state of; to subject to inquiry or inspection of particulars for the purpose of obtaining a fuller insight into the subject of examination, as a material substance, a fact, a reason, a cause, the truth of a statement; to inquire or search into; to explore; as, to examine a mineral; to examine a ship to know whether she is seaworthy; to examine a proposition, theory, or question.

Examine well your own thoughts. --Chaucer.

Examine their counsels and their cares. --Shak.

2. To interrogate as in a judicial proceeding; to try or test by question; as, to examine a witness in order to elicit testimony, a student to test his qualifications, a bankrupt touching the state of his property, etc.

The offenders that are to be examined. --Shak.

Syn: To discuss; debate; scrutinize; search into; investigate; explore. See Discuss.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)