reconnoiter
UK: ˌrekəˈnɔɪtə | US: ˌriːkəˈnɔɪtər
vt. to make a preliminary inspection or survey of an area, especially for military purposes
vi. to engage in reconnaissance
The word "reconnoiter" entered English via French military terminology in the 18th century, combining the Latin prefix re- (indicating repetition) with connoiter, a French verb meaning "to observe." Originally tied to scouting and strategic observation, it retains its specialized military connotation while also being used metaphorically for careful examination.
The soldiers were sent to reconnoiter the enemy's position.
Before the hike, we reconnoitered the trail to assess its difficulty.
The detective reconnoitered the crime scene for clues.
Pilots often reconnoiter unfamiliar terrain before landing.
The team reconnoitered the market before launching the product.