detection

American  

[dih-tek-shuhn] / dɪˈtɛk ʃən /

noun

1. the act of detecting.

2. the fact of being detected.

3. discovery, as of error or crime.

   chance detection of smuggling.

4. Telecommunications.

   1. rectification of alternating signal currents in a radio receiver.

   2. Also called demodulation.  the conversion of an alternating, modulated carrier wave or current into a direct, pulsating current equivalent to the transmitted information-bearing signal.

---

detection British  

/ dɪˈtɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act of discovering or the fact of being discovered

   detection of crime

2. the act or process of extracting information, esp at audio or video frequencies, from an electromagnetic wave See also demodulation

---

Other Word Forms

• predetection noun

Etymology

Origin of detection

1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin dētēctiōn- (stem of dētēctiō ), equivalent to Latin dētēct ( us ) ( detect ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Detection is the act of noticing or discovering something. At the airport, you might see German Shepherds trained in the detection of drug smuggling or explosives in luggage. Detection, detect, detective, detector — all are about noticing and discovering. A detective looks for clues that lead to the detection of the person who committed a crime. A metal detector is a machine created for the detection of coins people have left behind on the beach. Some teachers seem to have a third eye they use primarily for the detection of kids passing notes, or checking their cell phones during class.

Example Sentences

Hybrid systems that combine detection, identification and neutralization into integrated platforms are where the premium contracts are being signed.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Since then, perovskites have also shown promise in LEDs, as well as X-ray detection and imaging technologies.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

That means they mask their identity by flying different flags, turn off their tracking systems to avoid detection, and are unlikely to be fully insured.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“Preventing future Mythos level attacks and remediating identified vulnerabilities requires the participation of the broader security industry, domain expertise, and deterministic detection, which Anthropic can’t deliver,” the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Sucking in a breath, I resisted the urge to raise my head and look around the restaurant, something that would only look suspicious and increase our chances of detection.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• disclosure