What does "detect" mean?

1. (to discover or notice) to find or notice something that is not easy to see, hear, or smell. 2. (to work as a detective) to work on a mystery or solve a crime like a detective.

How do you use "detect"?

This sense is often used playfully or in the context of hobbyist investigation.

detect

US //dɪˈtɛkt// UK //dɪtˈɛkt// de·tect

1 to discover or notice (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to find or notice something that is not easy to see, hear, or smell.

to discover or identify the presence or existence of something subtle or hidden. Transitive — requires a direct object.

Example

The test can detect very small amounts of sugar in the blood.

Example

Modern sensors are capable of detecting minute changes in atmospheric pressure long before a storm becomes visible to the naked eye.
2 to work as a detective (v.)
C2 Proficiency Informal

to work on a mystery or solve a crime like a detective.

to perform the duties of a detective or engage in investigative work. Intransitive — used without a direct object.

Example

He spent the weekend detecting, trying to find out who ate the last cookie.

Example

The retired officer couldn't resist the urge to go detecting when he noticed the suspicious patterns in the local property records.

Usage

This sense is often used playfully or in the context of hobbyist investigation.
- investigate
- snoop

Etymology 1

From Latin detectus, perfect passive participle of detegere (“to uncover or disclose”), from de- + tegere (“to cover”); see tegument, tile, thatch.

Etymology 2

Back-formation from detective.