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

Four days ago, it was detected near Cantua Creek. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Interestingly, these tiny wonders can detect a temperature spike in 100 nanoseconds. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026

Pidgeon came in with a brunette bob, which, given the length of her natural hair, could be detected if left to inexperienced stylists. —Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 6 Mar. 2026

But if more measles cases are detected at either of those schools, the unvaccinated students may need to stay home beyond the initial three-week period. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 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