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

The goal is to figure out comprehensive systems for detecting drones, identifying whether they pose a threat, and deploying appropriate countermeasures.

Read more on Barron's

Spain’s electricity-grid operator said there was no risk of an imminent second major blackout in the country after detecting two sharp voltage variations in recent weeks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Finding a way to detect these cancers much earlier could allow for prompt treatment and better outcomes.

Read more on Science Daily

Defending Europe against drones involves several steps: detecting and identifying the unmanned vehicles, deciding whether to neutralize them, and exerting pressure away from the skies to deter enemies from launching them.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This formulation activated immune cells known as T cells, training them to detect and destroy melanoma cells.

Read more on Science Daily

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.