detect
verb (used with object)
to discover or catch (a person) in the performance of some act.
detecting
-
present participleof detect.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Between the two of them, I wasn’t exactly detecting decisiveness, but I turned out OK.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 25, 2026
Such tools could be valuable for evaluating drug safety and detecting biological markers associated with disease.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026
"The two-month delay in detecting and reporting the incident to the city is unacceptable."
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
"The research is particularly important for the endangered Australian sea lion, which has an estimated population of only about 12,000 animals and relies on hearing for communication, finding food, navigation and detecting threats," Erbe said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026
He listened to the music, detecting two popular songs which he particularly disliked, and scrutinized the credits closely to find any names of performers who normally nauseated him.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
