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

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

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

When an alarm goes off in the middle of the night, the robot awakens from its charging dock to go to inspect what’s happening.

From Washington Post

San Francisco officials have also helped to inspect school buildings and allocated $15 million in extra funding to the district, she said.

From Washington Post

Fueled by a hunger for more calm, I inspected my calendar more closely.

From Washington Post

We had been inspected multiple times by the County to make sure that we were following protocol.

From Eater

Jannetta said bridges and structures are inspected at least every two years.

From Washington Post

Blaine stresses that he was not called to inspect the rail site.

From The Daily Beast

The remains will go next to the University of Wisconsin for an anthropologist and odontologist to inspect.

From The Daily Beast

As the police officer bends down to inspect the body, a mouse "blows out" of its chest.

From The Daily Beast

They claim FDA did not have proper resources to inspect imported catfish.

From The Daily Beast

Ruth demanded the home plate umpire inspect the ball, according to multiple writers on hand.

From The Daily Beast

Here he can inspect what he sees, say the reflection of the face of his mother or nurse, and compare it at once with the original.

From Project Gutenberg

A full General landing to inspect overseas is entitled to a salute of 17 guns—well, I got my dues.

From Project Gutenberg

A number of the articles were used in the erection of Edgbaston Vestry Hall, where the curious may inspect them if so inclined.

From Project Gutenberg

He annually has a gathering of distinguished farmers and others to inspect his estate and see how his "book farming" gets on.

From Project Gutenberg

The disk of light disappeared, and the alert constable could be heard moving along the corridor to inspect the other offices.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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