English · Word Candidate

inspect

/ɪnˈspɛkt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: inspects · inspecting · inspected

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To examine critically or carefully; especially, to search out problems or determine condition; to scrutinize.

Verb

Examples

Inspect the system for leaks.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To observe the status or nature of an object beyond what is found obvious upon its initial presentation; to 'view within' the object.

Verb

Examples

After speaking with the building owner, hearing that the building's steam pipes were over eighty years old, and noticing areas where the pipes had been patched with duct tape, we decided to thoroughly inspect the system for leaks.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “inspect” mean?

To examine critically or carefully; especially, to search out problems or determine condition; to scrutinize.

Is “inspect” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.