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

There are photos taken of bruises and black lights to detect bodily fluids, wet and dry swabs, specialized containers to store all of it that only Dana can touch. —Judy Berman, Time, 27 Feb. 2026

Coppola was not the only director to detect reserves of ruthlessness within Duvall. —Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026

The vehicle incorporates a sophisticated sensor suite capable of detecting and tracking targets both above and below the sea surface. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026

Built on behalf of Space Force, the technology is designed to help detect disturbances to space systems in a geosynchronous orbit, which matches Earth's 24-hour rotation. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 Feb. 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