detect

verb

de·​tect di-ˈtekt How to pronounce detect (audio)
dē-
detected; detecting; detects

transitive verb

1
: to discover the true character of
detecting drug smugglers
2
: to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
detect alcohol in the blood
Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?
3

intransitive verb

: to work as a detective
detectability noun
detectable adjective

Examples of detect in a Sentence

The test is used to detect the presence of alcohol in the blood. This type of cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages.
Recent Examples on the Web If these chemicals are detected on a faraway planet, there is potential that life may exist on that world, marking it as a major target of interest for further research. Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024 If those levels are detected, water utilities would be required to take action to clean-up the water. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Mar. 2024 Once detected, however, the condition can be treated with medications, lifestyle changes and if necessary, surgeries to slow or restore the heart’s normal rhythm. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 The patient may undergo a PET scan, an M.R.I. or a spinal tap — tests that detect the presence of two proteins in the brain, amyloid plaques and tau tangles, both associated with Alzheimer’s. Paula Span, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 Her work suggests that the salience network detects when something is important to pay attention to and then acts as an off switch for the default mode network. Nora Bradford, WIRED, 3 Mar. 2024 The question quickly arose whether existing rapid antigen tests could detect newly emerging variants. Anuradha Rao, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024 Among other provisions, the bill would also fund 100 new inspection machines to detect fentanyl at the border, 1,500 Border Patrol Agents and customs officers and 4.300 new asylum officers to speed up the review of asylum claims. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024 This capability allows the drone to detect, classify, and track targets at ranges up to 8 km. Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin detectus, past participle of detegere to uncover, detect, from de- + tegere to cover — more at thatch

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detect was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near detect

Cite this Entry

“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

detect

verb
de·​tect di-ˈtekt How to pronounce detect (audio)
: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of
detect the approach of an airplane
detectable adjective
detection
-ˈtek-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on detect

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