View synonyms for detect

detect

[ dih-tekt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to discover or catch (a person) in the performance of some act:
to detect someone cheating.
to discover the existence of:
to detect the odor of gas.
to find out the true character or activity of:
to detect a spy.
Telecommunications.
1. to rectify alternating signal currents in a radio receiver.
2. to demodulate.

detect

/ dɪˈtɛkt /

verb

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)

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Derived Forms

deˈtecter, noun
deˈtectable, adjective

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Other Words From

de·tecta·ble de·tecti·ble adjective
de·tecta·bili·ty de·tecti·bili·ty noun
prede·tect verb (used with object)
unde·tecta·ble adjective
unde·tecta·bly adverb
unde·tected adjective
unde·tecti·ble adjective

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of detect¹

C15: from Latin dētectus uncovered, from dētegere to uncover, from de- + tegere to cover

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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.

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