search

Definitions

1. noun

   An attempt to find something.

   Examples

   • We had five minutes left, so the search for the keys began.
   • The search for the missing boy lasted two days.
   ≈sweep
2. noun

   The act of looking for information, especially on a computer.

   Examples

   • Her search on the website took only a second.
   • A good search tool saves a lot of time.
3. verb

   To look carefully in a place to find something.

   Examples

   • Police searched the house for clues.
   • They searched the woods for the missing hiker.
   ≈comb
4. verb

   To look closely and carefully.

   Examples

   • She searched through her bag for her phone.
   • The police are searching for clues in his flat.
   ≈look for
5. verb

   To look for something or someone.

   Examples

   • They searched for a place to stay the night.
   • He searched for the answer in the book.
6. verb

   To type a word or phrase into a search engine.

   Examples

   • I searched his name and found many news stories.
   • She searched the term online and found the answer fast.
7. verb

   To gently check a wound.

   Examples

   • The nurse gently searched the wound before covering it.
   • The doctor searched the cut for dirt.
8. verb

   To test someone's knowledge or ability.

   Examples

   • The teacher searched the students with a hard exam.
   • The interview searched his knowledge of the subject.