inspector

[ in-spek-ter ]

noun

1. a person who inspects.
2. an officer appointed to inspect.
3. a police officer usually ranking next below a superintendent.

inspector

/ ɪnˈspɛktə; ˌɪnspɛkˈtɔːrɪəl /

noun

1. a person who inspects, esp an official who examines for compliance with regulations, standards, etc
2. a police officer ranking below a superintendent or chief inspector and above a sergeant

Derived Forms

• inˈspectoral, adjective
• inˈspectorˌship, noun

Other Words From

• in·specto·ral in·spec·to·ri·al [in-spek-, tawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, tohr, -], adjective
• in·spector·ship noun
• prein·spector noun
• subin·spector noun
• subin·spector·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inspector¹

1595–1605; < Latin, equivalent to inspec-, variant stem of inspicere ( inspect ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

In a report released last year, the agency’s inspector general found that the last-minute fight caused “delay, confusion, and significant changes” to the assessment.

From Science Magazine

Fern Meadow was controversial before it was even built - plans were rejected by Wrexham council, only to be given the green light by the Welsh government's planning inspector.

From BBC

In a new report published by Ofsted, inspectors said children "wait too long" for their needs to be assessed which has led to some "missing large amounts of their education".

From BBC

HSE inspector Aimie Baker said her words "make clear the impact the passing of Paul has had and our thoughts remain with her and her family".

From BBC

Andrew Moll, the chief inspector of Marine Accidents, said it was a "cruel lesson of how rapidly things can go dreadfully wrong".

From BBC

Related Words

• auditor
• controller
• detective
• investigator
• monitor
• police officer