1. To make a prior examination and critical analysis, or detailed evaluation, of a document, a line of action regarding someone or people, etc.: If something is vetted, it is checked carefully to make sure that it meets the requirements that government officials have established.

When a person is vetted, he or she is investigated fully before being given a particular job, a role, or a position; especially, one that involves military or political secrets.

When US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) vets immigration applicants, they may not have a clear picture of their backgrounds because their governments may not allow such data to be transferred to another nation.

2. Etymology: from Latin veterinarius, "a doctor who medically treats animals"; to vet was originally a horse-racing term, referring to the requirement that a horse be examined for health and soundness by a veterinarian before being allowed to race; now, it has the general meaning of, "to check, to inspect, to scrutinize".

The following cartoon shows the meaning of "scrutinize" which is a synonym for "to vet".

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Referring to an investigation that has been completed: Only vetted nominees are allowed into government committee hearings.