suspicious

IPA

Dictionary definition of suspicious

Arousing doubt, mistrust, or a sense of caution due to something or someone's peculiar or questionable nature.
"He gave a suspicious look when asked about his whereabouts on the night of the crime."

Detailed meaning of suspicious

When used to describe a person, it suggests that they are perceived as possibly engaging in deceitful or dishonest activities. Suspicious behavior or actions often raise concerns or trigger a feeling of unease, as they deviate from what is considered normal or expected. It implies a need for further investigation or scrutiny to determine the truth or validity of the situation at hand. Being suspicious can indicate a healthy skepticism and alertness to potential risks, but it is important to gather sufficient evidence before passing judgment or making conclusions.

Example sentences containing suspicious

1. I found his sudden change in behavior suspicious.
2. The police are investigating the suspicious package found at the train station.
3. Her evasive answers raised suspicion about her involvement in the crime.
4. The neighbors were suspicious of the new family moving in overnight.
5. The suspicious-looking man was loitering near the bank entrance.
6. The company's financial statements raised suspicions of fraud.

History and etymology of suspicious

The adjective 'suspicious' originates from the Latin word 'suspiciosus,' which is derived from 'suspicio,' itself a combination of 'sub' (under) and 'specio' (to look). This etymology implies the act of looking beneath the surface or closely examining something or someone with a sense of doubt or mistrust. As 'suspicious' entered Middle English from Old French as 'suspecious,' it maintained its essential meaning of arousing doubt, mistrust, or a sense of caution due to something or someone's peculiar or questionable nature. The word's etymological roots highlight the instinctive wariness that arises when faced with circumstances or individuals that provoke skepticism and the need for closer scrutiny.

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Further usage examples of suspicious

1. His constant secrecy and avoidance of questions made him appear suspicious.
2. The police detained the suspect based on suspicious behavior at the crime scene.
3. The authorities are closely monitoring the suspicious activities of the group.
4. The detective noticed a suspicious pattern in the witness testimonies.
5. The suspicious email contained a link to a potentially harmful website.
6. The team discovered suspicious discrepancies in the inventory records.
7. The security cameras captured a suspicious individual lurking around the office after hours.
8. The employee's sudden extravagant lifestyle without a plausible explanation made the company suspicious.
9. The detective found a suspicious note hidden under the victim's bed.
10. The suspicious smell coming from the basement prompted the residents to call the fire department.
11. The government issued a warning about a suspicious package that may contain hazardous materials.
12. The police used a trained dog to sniff out any suspicious substances in the suspect's car.
13. The suspicious transaction triggered an automatic alert in the bank's fraud detection system.
14. The jury found the defendant's alibi to be suspicious and doubted his innocence.