Also means
to rummage through
Usage Note
Fouiller implies a thorough, hands-on search — rummaging through bags, digging through drawers, or excavating a site. Police fouillent suspects (frisk them), and archaeologists fouillent a site (excavate it). It is more physical and intensive than chercher (to look for).
Examples
"Il fouille dans ses poches pour trouver ses clés."
Natural Translation
He rummages through his pockets to find his keys.
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