inspect

American  

[in-spekt] / ɪnˈspɛkt /

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.

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inspect British  

/ ɪnˈspɛkt /

verb

1. to examine closely, esp for faults or errors

2. to scrutinize officially (a document, military personnel on ceremonial parade, etc)

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Other Word Forms

• inspectability noun
• inspectable adjective
• inspectingly adverb
• inspection noun
• inspectional adjective
• inspective adjective
• preinspect verb (used with object)
• quasi-inspected adjective
• reinspect verb (used with object)
• self-inspected adjective
• uninspected adjective
• well-inspected adjective

Etymology

Origin of inspect

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”

Example Sentences

Mr. Walz says his administration has begun to inspect Medicaid claims more closely.

From The Wall Street Journal

Anthropic and OpenAI, for example, are developing AI models that can autonomously and constantly inspect software code to find vulnerabilities that criminals might use to gain access, though humans still have to approve any changes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before re-wrapping she recommends inspecting the gift carefully to make sure no seals have been broken or show signs of wear.

From BBC

Before selling cattle in and out of the state, ranchers need to have them inspected by Nebraska’s Brand Committee.

From The Wall Street Journal

You sense it when Timothea quietly inspects herself in a bathroom mirror, wishing her life was more than it is.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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