/ ɪnˈspekt; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
inspect sth/sb (for sth) to look closely at sth/sb, especially to check that everything is as it should be
SYN examine :
The teacher walked around inspecting their work.
The plants are regularly inspected for disease.
Make sure you inspect the goods before signing for them.
➡ note at check
2.
to officially visit a school, factory, etc. in order to check that rules are being obeyed and that standards are acceptable :
Public health officials were called in to inspect the premises.
➡ note at check
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent. (earlier ( late Middle English ) as inspection ): from Latin inspect- looked into, examined, from the verb inspicere (from in- in + specere look at), or from its frequentative, inspectare .