English Dictionary
Definition of “detect”
detect (dɪˈtɛkt
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to perceive or notice ⇒
to detect a note of sarcasm
- to discover the existence or presence of (esp something likely to elude observation) ⇒
to detect alcohol in the blood
- to extract information from (an electromagnetic wave)
- obsolete to reveal or expose (a crime, criminal, etc)
Alternative Forms
deˈtectable deˈtectible adjective deˈtecter noun Word Origin
C15: from Latin dētectus uncovered, from dētegere to uncover, from de- + tegere to cover
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
discover,
find,
reveal,
catch,
expose,
disclose,
uncover,
track down,
hunt down,
unmask,
ferret out,
smoke out,
=
notice,
see,
spot,
catch,
note,
identify,
observe,
remark,
recognize,
distinguish,
perceive,
scent,
discern,
ascertain,
descry,
Usage examples
It would take an expert eye to detect the false bottom with its small cache of weaponry.
Mark Mills, AMAGANSETT (2004)It is hoped that the rovers will detect signs of water believed to have once washed over Mars.
New Scientist (2003)Professional hockey Yet does anyone detect a serious willingness to address the causes or symptoms?
Globe and Mail (2003)Salt, the basic taste, which brings out the flavour in food and which we detect by special taste receptors in our mouth.
Glasgow Herald (2001)The crown had a strong case, except that there was then no chemical test to detect vegetable poisons.
Jim Leavesley, George Biro, THE MEDICAL MYSTERIES E-OMNIBUS (2001)
