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REFERENCE

suspect

v. · n. · adj.
US //ˈsəsˌpɛkt// sus·pect
  1. 1 to believe without proof (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to think that something is probably true or exists, even if you are not 100% sure.

    to suppose something to be true or likely based on intuition or incomplete evidence.

    Example

    I suspect that the train will be late because of the heavy snow.

    Example

    Economists suspect that the recent dip in consumer spending is a temporary reaction to the new tax laws rather than a long-term trend.
  2. 2 to believe someone is guilty (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    to think that someone has done something wrong or committed a crime.

    to believe someone to be guilty of a specific misdeed or crime without conclusive proof.

    Example

    The police suspect him of stealing the car last night.

    Example

    Although the internal auditors suspect the manager of embezzlement, they lack the forensic evidence required to bring formal charges.
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  1. 3 a person under investigation (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    a person who the police think may have committed a crime.

    a person under consideration as the possible perpetrator of an offence.

    Example

    The police have arrested a suspect in connection with the robbery.

    Example

    The lead investigator interviewed three potential suspects, but all of them provided verifiable alibis for the night in question.

    Usage

    The stress is on the first syllable (SUS-pect) when used as a noun.
  2. 4 dishonest or unreliable (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that you do not trust or that seems wrong or dangerous.

    of questionable truth, quality, or legality; inspiring distrust.

    Example

    The data in this report looks a bit suspect to me.

    Example

    The company's accounting practices were deemed suspect by the regulatory body, leading to a comprehensive federal investigation.

    Usage

    The stress is on the first syllable (SUS-pect) when used as an adjective.
Origin

From Old French suspect, from Latin suspectus, perfect passive participle of suspiciō (“mistrust, suspect”), from sub (“under”), + speciō (“watch, look at”).

Word family

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