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

Labs are beginning to offer direct-to-consumer tests for detecting microplastics in water. — Erin Douglas, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

For example, a digital twin of an industrial pump could use vibration and temperature readings to detect changes that indicate developing mechanical problems. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

And previously unseen chemicals hazardous to human health were detected in a quarter of the 49 inhalable products tested by The Times. — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026

Such prototypes have included chairs which convert into tables, and that can also conveniently collapse for storage, while detecting their configuration and relaying relevant information to users via screens. — New Atlas, 7 Nov. 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