suspect

IPA

Dictionary definition of suspect

To harbor a belief or have a strong inclination that someone or something is involved in wrongdoing, is guilty of a particular action, or is connected to an event or situation under investigation.
"I suspect that my neighbor is secretly feeding stray cats."

Detailed meaning of suspect

When one suspects something or someone, it implies a degree of doubt, skepticism, or mistrust. It involves forming a subjective judgment or hypothesis based on available evidence, intuition, or external cues. To suspect often involves questioning, scrutinizing, or expressing a sense of uncertainty about the truth or validity of a person's actions, motives, or claims. It can lead to an investigation, further probing, or gathering additional evidence to either confirm or refute the suspicion. Suspecting is a fundamental cognitive process that plays a crucial role in discerning potential threats, identifying wrongdoing, and preserving personal or collective security.

Example sentences containing suspect

1. I suspect he's hiding something important from us.
2. She strongly suspects foul play in the disappearance.
3. They suspect the new employee of stealing company data.
4. We suspect a leak in the roof caused the water damage.
5. He suspects his neighbor of vandalizing his car.
6. The police suspect the crime may be drug-related.

History and etymology of suspect

The verb 'suspect' can be traced back to the Latin word 'suspectare,' which means to look at with suspicion or mistrust. This Latin term, in turn, has its roots in 'suspicere,' which combines 'sub' (under) and 'specere' (to look). Over time, 'suspect' has evolved in the English language to signify harboring a belief or having a strong inclination that someone or something is involved in wrongdoing, is guilty of a particular action, or is connected to an event or situation under investigation. Its etymology underscores the act of closely examining and casting doubt upon a subject of interest.

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Further usage examples of suspect

1. Do you suspect there's a spy among us?
2. She suspects her partner of cheating on her.
3. I strongly suspect a cover-up in this case.
4. They suspect a connection between the two incidents.
5. We suspect faulty wiring as the cause of the fire.
6. He suspects that the witness isn't telling the truth.
7. The detectives suspect an inside job.
8. She suspects a link between the two outbreaks.
9. I suspect someone tampered with the evidence.
10. They suspect a conspiracy behind the incident.
11. We strongly suspect insider trading.
12. He suspects the rival company of sabotage.
13. She suspects political motives behind the decision.
14. Do you suspect a breach of security?
15. The auditor suspects financial irregularities.
16. I suspect a breach in our cybersecurity.
17. They suspect a conspiracy behind the incident.
18. We suspect he has been involved in illegal activities.
19. Do you suspect foul play in this case?
20. The investigators suspect him to be the prime suspect.
21. I suspect she knows more than she's letting on.
22. They suspect him to be the mastermind behind the scheme.
23. We suspect he is involved in a larger criminal network.
24. The neighbors suspect him to be the one causing all the trouble.
25. I suspect he is using drugs.
26. They suspect a leak in the security system.
27. We suspect he is embezzling funds from the company.
28. The authorities suspect him of planning a terrorist attack.
29. I suspect he is cheating on his partner.
30. They suspect him of being involved in the cover-up.