inspect

[ in-spekt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to look carefully at or over; view closely and critically:

   to inspect every part of the motor.

   Synonyms: study, investigate, scrutinize, examine

2. to view or examine formally or officially:

   The general inspected the troops.

inspect

/ ɪnˈspɛkt /

verb

1. to examine closely, esp for faults or errors
2. to scrutinize officially (a document, military personnel on ceremonial parade, etc)

Derived Forms

• inˈspective, adjective
• inˈspectable, adjective
• inˈspection, noun
• inˈspectingly, adverb
• inˈspectional, adjective

Other Words From

• in·specta·ble adjective
• in·specta·bili·ty noun
• in·specting·ly adverb
• prein·spect verb (used with object)
• quasi-in·spected adjective
• rein·spect verb (used with object)
• self-in·spected adjective
• unin·spected adjective
• well-in·spected adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inspect¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin inspectus “looked into,” past participle of inspicere “to look into,” from in in- ² + -spicere, combining form of specere “to look, regard, see”

Word History and Origins

Origin of inspect¹

C17: from Latin inspicere, from specere to look

Example Sentences

During the trial, a liability expert retained by Luna’s attorney, Arash Zabetian, said he had reviewed thousands of city documents and found no standards for inspecting the lights on a regular basis.

From Los Angeles Times

A team of 19 people has been formed to inspect buildings across the city.

From BBC

The nature of spray foam can make it tricky for valuers acting on behalf of lenders to inspect the condition of roof timbers.

From BBC

Immigration and Customs Enforcement later inspected the Chula Vista paperwork and issued a warning notice, records show, meaning it found violations that needed to be fixed.

From New York Times

The ringside doctor inspected the cut, and confirmed the fight could continue.

From BBC

Related Words

• audit
• check out
• go through
• investigate
• observe
• oversee
• probe
• review
• scan
• scrutinize
• search
• supervise
• survey
• watch