Rummage (verb)

Search (a place) thoroughly in an untidy or disordered way.

Origin:

Late middle english (as a noun denoting a search or exploration of a place): from old french ranger 'to put in order' (influenced by old french rumble 'a search', of germanic origin), or from middle low german rummagen 'to rummage' (of imitative origin).

Examples:

1. She rummaged through her purse looking for her keys.
2. He rummaged through the closet looking for his jacket.
3. They rummaged through the attic searching for old family photos.
4. The police rummaged through the car looking for evidence.
5. The thief rummaged through the safe looking for valuables.