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

• 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

In a study, 13 of 22 shipments detected Microsporidia and the ladybug parasitoid, Dinocampus coccineliae, was found in beetles from all shipments. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025

The waves reflect off the body to detect weapons hidden underneath clothing, but can also catch water or sweat, according to ProPublica. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 4 July 2025

Their technology uses behavioral science and voice analytics to detect subtle emotional cues, like moments of tension or disengagement, in conversations. —Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

The firearm was detected when White placed his bag through a metal detector at an entrance to the building, according to police. —July 3, CBS News, 3 July 2025

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