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

Roughly 23 hours after the North Tower had collapsed, Trakr detected Genelle Guzman-McMillan buried alive beneath the debris. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Specialized cells in the eyes detect changes in light and communicate with the brain’s circadian system, helping coordinate processes such as alertness and sleep. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Cases have been detected in the 10451 and 10456 ZIP codes, which includes parts of Melrose and Morrisania in the South Bronx. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

Sesame proteins were found in a red sample from a coffin fragment and a tomb wall painting fragment, and moringa proteins were detected on a coffin sample. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 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