The word 搜查 is formed by combining two characters, each representing a distinct but complementary action that together describe a single, integrated procedure. The first character, 搜, carries the meaning of "to search", implying a thorough, often physical exploration of a space or person. The second, 查, means "to investigate" or "to examine", focusing on the act of close inspection or inquiry. Their combination merges the broad action of seeking something out with the specific, detailed action of scrutinizing what is found, creating a unified concept that means "to search and inspect", as in an official search or raid.