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

He hoped that sharing his story would encourage people to be screened or get other exams to help detect the presence of cancer, saying, “It’s a really simple thing to do and it can add years to your life.”

From Los Angeles Times

This season will once again be about looking to detect any weakness in Etiwanda, which returns 6-foot-3 Grace Knox, a Louisiana State commit, and point guard Aliyahna Morris, a California commit, plus several other veteran players.

From Los Angeles Times

However, that doctor failed to detect cancer, so Dio carried on with his career as usual.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the problems with devices designed to make people essentially invisible to sharks is that eyesight isn’t the only tool they use to detect prey: They also use their sense of smell and their ability to detect vibrations in the water.

From Los Angeles Times

They continued: “Since these incidents took place, we have invested in AI technology to detect where potential issues on our network might occur to further protect the environment.”

From BBC

Related Words

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