detect

verb

de·​tect di-ˈtekt 

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

: demodulate

intransitive verb

: to work as a detective

detectability

di-ˌtek-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

dē-

noun

detectable

di-ˈtek-tə-bəl 

dē-

adjective

Synonyms of detect

• find
• learn
• locate
• discover
• get

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

Michael Mann's Heat centers on experienced thief Neil McCauley (De Niro), whose various heists are detected by LAPD cop Vincent Hanna (Pacino). —Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

Also complicating the issue is that the FAA does not have a dedicated system that can detect drones without interfering with commercial aircraft. —Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026

The villagers often had to move in the dark to avoid being detected. —Pavlo Fedykovych, CNN Money, 12 June 2026

Security platforms detect threats. —Scott Fulton, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

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

Rhymes for detect

• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• direct
• dissect
• effect
• eject

Kids Definition

detect

verb

de·​tect di-ˈtekt 

: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of

detect the approach of an airplane

detectable

-ˈtek-tə-bəl 

adjective

detection

-ˈtek-shən

noun