verb , noun , adjective
■ verb / səˈspekt; NAmE / (not used in the progressive tenses)
1.
to have an idea that sth is probably true or likely to happen, especially sth bad, but without having definite proof :
[ vn ]
If you suspect a gas leak, do not strike a match or even turn on an electric light.
Suspecting nothing, he walked right into the trap.
[ v ( that )]
I began to suspect (that) they were trying to get rid of me.
[ v ]
As I had suspected all along, he was not a real policeman.
[also vn to inf , vn that ]
2.
[ vn ] to be suspicious about sth; to not trust sth :
I suspected her motives in offering to help.
3.
[ vn ] suspect sb (of sth / of doing sth) to have an idea that sb is guilty of sth, without having definite proof :
He resigned after being suspected of theft.
The drug is suspected of causing over 200 deaths.
Whom do the police suspect?
—see also suspicion , suspicious
► sus·pected adjective :
a suspected broken arm
suspected tax evasion
suspected terrorists
■ noun
/ ˈsʌspekt/ a person who is suspected of a crime or of having done sth wrong :
a murder suspect
He is the prime suspect in the case.
■ adjective /ˈsʌspekt/
1.
that may be false and that cannot be relied on
SYN questionable :
Some of the evidence they produced was highly suspect.
2.
that you suspect to be dangerous or illegal
SYN suspicious :
a suspect package (= one that may contain drugs, a bomb, etc.)
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (originally as an adjective): from Latin suspectus mistrusted, past participle of suspicere , from sub- from below + specere to look.