de·tect 
(dĭ-tĕkt)
(dĭ-tĕkt)tr.v. de·tect·ed, de·tect·ing, de·tects
1. To discover or ascertain the existence, presence, or fact of.
2. To discern (something hidden or subtle): detected a note of sarcasm in the remark.
3. To learn something hidden and often improper about: detected the manager in a lie.
4. Electronics To demodulate.
[Middle English detecten, from Latin dētegere, dētēct-, to uncover : dē-, de- + tegere, to cover; see (s)teg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
de·tecta·ble, de·tecti·ble adj.
de·tecter n.