detect

[ dih-tekt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to discover or catch (a person) in the performance of some act:

   to detect someone cheating.

2. to discover the existence of:

   to detect the odor of gas.

3. to find out the true character or activity of:

   to detect a spy.

4. Telecommunications.
   1. to rectify alternating signal currents in a radio receiver.
   2. to demodulate.

detect

/ dɪˈtɛkt /

verb

1. to perceive or notice

   to detect a note of sarcasm

2. to discover the existence or presence of (esp something likely to elude observation)

   to detect alcohol in the blood

3. to extract information from (an electromagnetic wave)
4. obsolete.
   to reveal or expose (a crime, criminal, etc)

Derived Forms

• deˈtecter, noun
• deˈtectable, adjective

Other Words From

• de·tecta·ble de·tecti·ble adjective
• de·tecta·bili·ty de·tecti·bili·ty noun
• prede·tect verb (used with object)
• unde·tecta·ble adjective
• unde·tecta·bly adverb
• unde·tected adjective
• unde·tecti·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of detect¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin dētēctus “discovered,” past participle of dētegere “to uncover, discover,” from dē- de- + tegere “to cover”; thatch

Word History and Origins

Origin of detect¹

C15: from Latin dētectus uncovered, from dētegere to uncover, from de- + tegere to cover

Example Sentences

However, if the body fails to detect these changes or to initiate repair, the mutations could accumulate and over time lead to cancer.

From Science Daily

On occasion, medical outreach teams hand out glass pipes and test kits that can detect fentanyl or veterinary tranquilizers in drugs before they’re consumed in an effort they say to saves lives.

From Los Angeles Times

And they’ve been detected in places as remote as Tibet and Antarctica.

From Science Magazine

Vultures are perfectly adapted by millions of years of evolution to detect carcasses across vast landscapes quickly and reliably.

From Science Daily

To help detect those boats is a dog, Adele, trained by the UK’s National Crime Agency to sniff out rubber.

From BBC

Related Words

• catch
• disclose
• distinguish
• encounter
• expose
• find
• identify
• notice
• observe
• recognize
• reveal
• see
• spot
• uncover

When To Use

What are other ways to say detect?

To detect is to discover something hidden or unknown. When should you use detect over learn, discover, or ascertain? Find out on Thesaurus.com.