VocabDictionary

suspect

/ˈsʌs.pɛkt/ (noun/adj), /səˈspɛkt/ (verb)intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person thought to be guilty of a crime or offense.

Example Sentences:
  • The police have identified a primary suspect in the robbery case.
  • Several suspects were brought in for questioning by the detectives.
2.verb

To believe or feel that someone is guilty of an illegal or dishonest act, or that something is true or likely.

Example Sentences:
  • I suspect that he is lying about where he was last night.
  • The authorities suspect foul play in the sudden disappearance of the documents.
3.adjective

Not able to be trusted; suspicious or questionable.

Example Sentences:
  • The evidence provided by the witness was considered highly suspect.
  • He gave me a suspect look when I mentioned the missing money.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “suspect”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'suspectus', the past participle of 'suspicere', meaning 'to look up at' or 'to look under/mistrust'. It is formed from 'sub-' (up from under) and 'specere' (to look). The evolution reflects the shift from 'looking up to' someone to 'looking at them with suspicion'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'sub' (under) 'spect' (look): someone who looks under the surface because they don't trust what they see.

Frequently Asked Questions About “suspect

1. What is the meaning of “suspect” in English?

In English, suspect (noun) is defined as: “A person thought to be guilty of a crime or offense.”.

2. How do you use “suspect” in a sentence?

The police have identified a primary suspect in the robbery case.

3. What are English synonyms of “suspect”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “suspect”?

Derived from the Latin 'suspectus', the past participle of 'suspicere', meaning 'to look up at' or 'to look under/mistrust'. It is formed from 'sub-' (up from under) and 'specere' (to look). The evolution reflects the shift from 'looking up to' someone to 'looking at them with suspicion'.