adjective. Of something that investigates or explores deeply.

noun. The action of investigating or exploring.

verb. Present participle of probe.

adjective. diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation

"For these are the laughable stereotypes he has tried to avoid his entire life, whether they come from the guy in the Giants jersey at the sports bar doing a limp wrist and a lisp or in a clever cartoon in which the word "probing" becomes overused code for gay sex."

inquiring  

Socratic method  asking  bringing into question  catechetical method  catechization  

probe