detective

de-tec-tive · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person, especially a police officer, whose job is to investigate crimes.

  2. 2.

    A person who investigates matters privately.

  3. 3.

    Relating to detectives or their work.

Related words

See also: detect, detectives, investigation
Synonyms: inspector, investigator, private eye, sleuth

Etymology

From detect + -ive, modeled on words like protective. First used in the 1840s as both noun and adjective. From Latin detegere meaning "to uncover."