B2verbsciencetechnology
US/dɪˈtekt/
UK/dɪˈtekt/
to notice or discover something that is hard to see, hear or find
In context
Smoke alarms can detect a fire before you smell anything.
The test can detect cancer at a very early stage.
I detected a hint of sadness in her voice.
Words that go with detect
verb + noun
- detect changesThe sensor can detect changes in temperature.
- detect a problemThe mechanic detected a problem with the brakes.
- detect cancerRegular check-ups help doctors detect cancer early.
adverb + verb
- easily detectMost viruses on your laptop can be easily detected by free software.
adjective + preposition
- difficult to detectSome gases are colorless and difficult to detect.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The police detected the thief.Correct: The police caught the thief. / The police identified the thief.