detection

American  

[dih-tek-shuhn] / dɪˈtɛk ʃən /

noun

1. the act of detecting.

2. the fact of being detected.

3. discovery, as of error or crime.

   chance detection of smuggling.

4. Telecommunications.

   1. rectification of alternating signal currents in a radio receiver.

   2. Also called demodulation.  the conversion of an alternating, modulated carrier wave or current into a direct, pulsating current equivalent to the transmitted information-bearing signal.

---

detection British  

/ dɪˈtɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act of discovering or the fact of being discovered

   detection of crime

2. the act or process of extracting information, esp at audio or video frequencies, from an electromagnetic wave See also demodulation

---

Other Word Forms

• predetection
  noun

Etymology

Origin of detection

1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin dētēctiōn- (stem of dētēctiō ), equivalent to Latin dētēct ( us ) ( see detect) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Detection is the act of noticing or discovering something. At the airport, you might see German Shepherds trained in the detection of drug smuggling or explosives in luggage. Detection, detect, detective, detector — all are about noticing and discovering. A detective looks for clues that lead to the detection of the person who committed a crime. A metal detector is a machine created for the detection of coins people have left behind on the beach. Some teachers seem to have a third eye they use primarily for the detection of kids passing notes, or checking their cell phones during class.

Example Sentences

He pointed out that Zscaler’s organic annual recurring-revenue growth was mostly driven by Red Canary — a cybersecurity subsidiary that specializes in managed detection and response — which Zscaler acquired last August.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

With delayed detection, cases are spreading across Congo, including in the cities of Goma and Bukavu, both under the control of a rebel group, M23, and cut off from the resources of Congo’s central government.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

Since the SeoulTech study, other researchers have continued refining QuEChERS based methods for PAH detection.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

The system uses Flir thermal cameras and AI-powered detection technology developed by WhaleSpotter to detect the whales’ heat signature from up to four nautical miles, according to the release.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

She looked up, while I still gazed at her: no start, no increase or failure of colour betrayed emotion, consciousness of guilt, or fear of detection.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Related Words

• disclosure