suspect

Formssuspects, suspecting, suspected

Pluralsuspects

1. 1
   verbtransitive

   To think something is true even though you have no proof yet.

   Like guessing what is inside a wrapped box before you open it.

   I suspect a problem with the engine.

   She suspected something was wrong before anyone said a word.

   Similarsuppose, sense, believe, imagine

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A person the police think may have committed a crime.

   The police questioned the suspect for several hours.

   Two suspects were arrested near the scene.

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To believe that someone has done something wrong.

   The police suspect the driver, but they need more proof.

   Everyone suspected the new clerk after the cash went missing.

   Note
4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To not trust someone or something, or to have doubts about it.

   I suspect his motives.

   She suspected the cheap deal from the start.

   Similardistrust, mistrust, doubt, question

   Oppositetrust, believe

   Note
5. 5
   adjective

   Thought to be false, dishonest, or not to be trusted.

   The package looked suspect, so the guards called for help.

   Her sudden riches seemed suspect to the neighbors.

   Similarsuspicious, questionable, dubious, doubtful, shady

   Oppositegenuine, trustworthy, reliable

   Note
6. 6
   verbintransitive

   To feel that something may be wrong.

   Like getting a funny feeling that something is not quite right.

   I began to suspect when the lights suddenly went out.

   She suspected from the very start, though she said nothing.

7. 7
   adjectivenonstandard

   Feeling that someone or something cannot be trusted.

   She grew suspect of his sudden kindness.

   The guard dog stayed suspect of every stranger at the gate.

   Similarsuspicious, distrustful, mistrustful, wary

   Oppositetrusting

   Note

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