detect
Notice something hidden
Detect means to discover or notice something, especially something that is not immediately obvious or is hidden.
The word often implies the use of careful observation, specialized equipment, or keen perception: The test can detect traces of the drug in your system.
Dogs detect scents imperceptible to humans.
You might detect a hint of sarcasm in someone's voice or detect early signs of a problem before it becomes serious.
Facts supporting truth
- clueSolving aid
- traceMinute remnant or pursue
- forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis
- fingerprintFriction ridge impression
footprint · sleuth · inquiry · examine · scrutinize · probe · analysis · crime scene
Become conscious of
- noticeBecome aware of
- sensePerception or judgment
- discernPerceive with careful attention
- spotMark or location
recognize · smell · sniff · taste · hear · feel · sight · sound
Become aware of
- recognizePerceive as known
- sensePerception or judgment
- perceiveBecome conscious of
- discernPerceive with careful attention
aware · intuition · suspicion · inkling · hunch · feeling · pick up on · read
evidence
Facts supporting truth
fingerprint · footprint · sleuth · inquiry · examine · scrutinize · probe · analysis · crime scene · autopsy
perceive
Become conscious of
spot · recognize · smell · sniff · taste · hear · feel · sight · sound · odor
notice
Become aware of
discern · aware · intuition · suspicion · inkling · hunch · feeling · pick up on · read · interpret
uncover
Reveal what's hidden
identify · locate · pinpoint · determine · ascertain · diagnose · screening · test · anomaly · discrepancy
monitor
Display or supervisor
camera · wiretap · eavesdrop · CCTV · tracking · scanning · reconnaissance · stakeout · undercover · infiltration
- detectiondiscover, find, identify, locate, notice
- root outroot out, flush out, ferret out, smoke out, weed out
- searchessearch, seek, hunt, quest, find
- discoveryfind, finding, discovery, discover, finding out
- examineexamine, analyze, assess, evaluate, inspect
- investigatinginvestigate, examine, inspect, probe, search
- smoke detectorsDevices sensing airborne combustion particles
- lie detectorDevice measuring physiological deception signs
- metal detectorDevice sensing buried conductors
- private detectiveLicensed investigator for hire
- detective workSystematic inquiry into mysteries
- detective storyNarrative featuring investigation
detective, detection, detected, detector, detecting, undetected, detectable, undetectable, detects