transitive verb

1. to go over or look through for the purpose of finding something; explore; rummage; examine to search a house for a lost article
2. to examine (a person) for something concealed, as by running one's hands over the clothing, through the pockets, etc.
3. to examine closely and carefully; test and try; probe to search one's conscience
4. to look through (writings, records, etc.) to establish certain facts
5. to find out or uncover by investigation: usually with out

Etymology: ME searchen < OFr cercher < LL circare, to go round, go about, explore < circus, a ring: see circus

intransitive verb

1. to try to find something; make a search
2. to examine data in a computer in order to locate items having a given property

noun

1. an act of searching; scrutiny, inquiry, or examination in an attempt to find something, gain knowledge, establish facts, etc.
2. the act of a belligerent in stopping and searching a neutral ship for contraband