I. inspect noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin inspectus, from inspectus, past participle
obsolete : inspection
II. in·spect ə̇nzˈpekt, ə̇nˈsp- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: partly from Latin inspectus, past participle of inspicere, from in- in- (II) + -spicere (from specere to look), & partly from Latin inspectare, from inspectus — more at spy
transitive verb
1. : to view closely and critically (as in order to ascertain quality or state, detect errors, or otherwise appraise) : examine with care : scrutinize
let us inspect your motives
inspected the herd for ticks
2. : to view and examine officially (as troops or arms)
intransitive verb
archaic : to look carefully : make an examination (as into a situation) : search
Synonyms: see scrutinize