inspection

noun

in-SPEK-shuhn/ɪnˈspɛkʃən/

2 meanings of inspection

1
nouncountable or uncountable
The act of examining something carefully, often in close detail.
The building passed its annual fire-safety inspection last week.
Closer inspection revealed several hairline cracks in the foundation.
Similarexamination, check, scrutiny, survey, review
2
nouncountable
An official body that checks whether certain laws or rules are being obeyed.
The mining inspection has the power to shut down unsafe sites.
Regional tax inspections enforce the new reporting requirements on small firms.
Similarregulator, authority, agency, watchdog

Practice

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Origin

This word came through Middle French and Old French inspeccion from Latin īnspectiō ("examination, inspection"), which came from the verb īnspiciō ("I inspect"), itself from speciō ("I look at"). It can be analyzed as inspect + -ion.