What does "inspect" mean?

1. (to examine carefully) to look at something closely to check its condition or to find any mistakes. 2. (to view officially) to visit a place officially to make sure that rules are being followed.

How do you use "inspect"?

This is a transitive verb that takes a direct object. Often used in contexts involving government, health, or safety authorities.

inspect

US //ˌɪnˈspɛkt// UK //ɪnspˈɛkt// in·spect

1 to examine carefully (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to look at something closely to check its condition or to find any mistakes.

to examine something critically and in detail, typically to assess its condition or to identify flaws.

Example

The mechanic needs to inspect the car's brakes before we go on our trip.

Example

The engineer spent several hours inspecting the structural supports of the bridge for signs of metal fatigue or corrosion.

Usage

This is a transitive verb that takes a direct object.
2 to view officially (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

to visit a place officially to make sure that rules are being followed.

to carry out an official or formal viewing of a facility, organisation, or equipment to ensure it meets legal or safety standards.

Example

Health officials will inspect the restaurant kitchen tomorrow morning.

Example

The general arrived at the base to inspect the troops and evaluate their readiness for the upcoming joint training exercise.

Usage

Often used in contexts involving government, health, or safety authorities.

Origin

From Latin inspectum, past participle of inspicere (“to look into”), from in (“in”) + specere (“to look at”), equivalent to in- + -spect.

Word family

Verbinspect
Nouninspection
Nouninspector