Synonyms

detect

American

[dih-tekt] / dɪˈtɛkt /

verb (used with object)

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

to detect someone cheating.
to discover the existence of.

to detect the odor of gas.
to find out the true character or activity of.

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

detect British

/ dɪˈtɛkt /

verb

to perceive or notice

to detect a note of sarcasm
to discover the existence or presence of (esp something likely to elude observation)

to detect alcohol in the blood
to extract information from (an electromagnetic wave)
obsolete to reveal or expose (a crime, criminal, etc)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

detectability noun
detectable adjective
detecter noun
detectibility noun
detectible adjective
predetect verb (used with object)
undetectable adjective
undetectably adverb
undetected adjective
undetectible adjective

Etymology

Origin of detect

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023