inspection

[ in-spek-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of inspecting or viewing, especially carefully or critically:

   an inspection of all luggage on the plane.

2. formal or official viewing or examination:

   an inspection of the troops.

Other Words From

• in·spection·al adjective
• prein·spection noun
• rein·spection noun
• self-in·spection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inspection¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English inspeccio(u)n, from Latin inspectiōn- (stem of inspectiō ). See inspect, -ion

Synonym Study

See examination.

Example Sentences

Passengers were asked to make sure their phones and other devices were charged so that they could be switched on for inspection.

From The Daily Beast

When it comes to setting up a reward, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service considers “$50,000 commonplace.”

From The Daily Beast

“There has been no visible progress of oil removal,” he said in the April 2012 inspection report.

From The Daily Beast

But on closer inspection, Wadhwa is still early in his journey to becoming a real ally.

From The Daily Beast

The house, like every obvious manifestation of Palmer, is ready for a full-dress inspection.

From The Daily Beast

Besides, that inspection did not pertain to me, since I was neither the oldest nor the most recent auditor.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon careful inspection, however, delicate nuclear bands connecting the parts can usually be seen.

From Project Gutenberg

I expect to see you in London soon, and then will give you the plan for inspection before I put it in practice.

From Project Gutenberg

A serjeant enlisted a recruit, who on inspection turned out to be a woman.

From Project Gutenberg

I have a small engine now at foundry, and would put it on board one of their barges for your inspection.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• analysis
• checkup
• inquiry
• investigation
• probe
• research
• review
• scrutiny
• search
• supervision
• surveillance
• survey