Suspect
/səˈspekt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo believe someone or something is guilty, false, or unreliable; to doubt.
/səˈspekt/
To have a feeling or belief that someone is guilty of a crime or offense.
The police suspect the man of committing the crime.
💡 Simply: When you *suspect* someone, it's like you have a hunch they did something wrong, like maybe they took the last cookie from the jar. You don't *know* for sure, but you have a feeling.
👶 For kids: To think someone did something bad.
More Examples
I suspect that my neighbor is the one who keeps taking my newspaper.
We strongly suspect that the leak came from within the company.
How It's Used
"The police suspect the man of being involved in the robbery."
"I suspect he's hiding something from me."
A person thought to be guilty of a crime or offense.
/ˈsʌspekt/
A person who is suspected of a crime or wrongdoing.
The suspect was brought in for questioning.
💡 Simply: A *suspect* is the person the police think might have done something wrong. It's like they're playing detective and trying to figure out who did it.
👶 For kids: The person the police think might have done something wrong.
More Examples
The police are searching for a suspect in the theft.
Detectives are building a case against the suspect.
How It's Used
"Police are questioning the suspect."
"The suspect was released on bail."
Likely to be incorrect or untrue; causing one to have doubts.
/səˈspekt/
Arousing or tending to arouse suspicion.
The suspect package was addressed to an unknown person.
💡 Simply: Something *suspect* is a bit iffy – like if your friend suddenly starts giving you really expensive gifts, you might start to think something's up! It makes you wonder if there's a hidden reason.
👶 For kids: Something that makes you think something is not right.
More Examples
The suspect deal was investigated by the financial regulatory authorities.
The detective thought the witness's alibi seemed suspect.
How It's Used
"The suspect package contained a suspicious substance."
"His behavior seemed suspect."
Synonyms
Believe
Distrust
Doubt
Question
Accused
Candidate
Offender
Doubtful
Dubious
Fishy
Questionable
Shady
Idioms & expressions
beyond suspicion
Free from any cause for doubt; not open to suspicion.
"Her integrity is beyond suspicion; she is known for her honesty."
From Middle English *suspecten*, from Latin *suspectus*, past participle of *suspicere* (“to look up at, to mistrust”), from *sub* (“up, under”) + *specere* (“to look”).
The word "suspect" has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to mistrust or suspicion.
Memory tip
Think of Sherlock Holmes looking at the clues - he *suspects* someone did it!