detect

[dih-tekt]

verb (used with object)

1. to discover or catch (a person) in the performance of some act.

   to detect someone cheating.

2. to discover the existence of.

   to detect the odor of gas.

3. to find out the true character or activity of.

   to detect a spy.

4. Telecommunications.

   1. to rectify alternating signal currents in a radio receiver.

   2. to demodulate.

detect

/ dɪˈtɛkt /

verb

1. to perceive or notice

   to detect a note of sarcasm

2. to discover the existence or presence of (esp something likely to elude observation)

   to detect alcohol in the blood

3. to extract information from (an electromagnetic wave)

4. obsolete,  to reveal or expose (a crime, criminal, etc)

Other Word Forms

• detectable adjective
• detectible adjective
• detectability noun
• detectibility noun
• predetect verb (used with object)
• undetectable adjective
• undetectably adverb
• undetected adjective
• undetectible adjective
• detecter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of detect¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin dētēctus “discovered,” past participle of dētegere “to uncover, discover,” from dē- de- + tegere “to cover”; thatch

Word History and Origins

Origin of detect¹

C15: from Latin dētectus uncovered, from dētegere to uncover, from _de- + tegere to cover

Example Sentences

Ahead of a second day of talks, Lecornu said he had detected a "willingness to have a budget for France before 31 December".

From BBC

This year, however, she and other counselors detected acute emotional reactions: anxiety, sorrow and fear after a summer of intensified immigration raids.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr McKeown said despite the infection being detected in only one house out of three, all birds on the site - estimated to be about 20,000 - will be culled.

From BBC

It's made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to detect harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria, and help the body fight them off.

From BBC

The refinery’s air monitors detected a spike in airborne chemicals after the fire broke out, but air district officials say conditions returned to normal levels after a few hours.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• catch 
• disclose 
• distinguish 
• encounter 
• expose 
• find 
• identify 
• notice 
• observe 
• recognize 
• reveal 
• see 
• spot 
• uncover 

When To Use

What are other ways to say detect?

To detect is to discover something hidden or unknown. When should you use detect over learn, discover, or ascertain? Find out on Thesaurus.com.