suspect
//səˈspɛkt//
Forms
- present (v1)
- suspect
- past (v2)
- suspected
- past participle (v3)
- suspected
- present participle
- suspecting
- 3rd person singular
- suspects
- Comparative
- more suspect
- Superlative
- most suspect
- Plural
- suspects
Definitions
1.To imagine or suppose (something) to be true, or to exist, without proof.
- From her hand I could suspect no ill.
- Mr. Campion appeared suitably impressed and she warmed to him. He was very easy to talk to with those long clown lines in his pale face, a natural goon, born rather too early she suspected.
2.To distrust or have doubts about (something or someone).
- I suspect Tom won't tell Mary what happened to him yesterday.
- What you suspect is true.
- I suspect that isn't true.
3.To believe (someone) to be guilty.
- I suspect him of being the thief.
4.To have suspicion.
- I suspect Tom won't tell Mary what happened to him yesterday.
- What you suspect is true.
- I suspect that isn't true.
1.A person who is suspected of something, in particular of committing a crime.
1.Viewed with suspicion; suspected.
- What I can do or offer is suspect.
- What appears suspect about the Beeching Report is how quickly it was railroaded through, with the answers manufactured before the questions were asked.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #2165
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Old French suspect
From Latin suspectus, perfect passive participle of suspiciō (“mistrust, suspect”)
From sub (“under”), + speciō (“watch, look at”).