inspect
/ɪnˈspɛkt
/verb [with object]
1Look at (someone or something) closely, typically to assess their condition or to discover any shortcomings: they inspected the paintwork for cracks and flaws...
- I inspected it closely and noticed a couple of things that may have been the cause of the problem.
- After inspecting it more closely, we were surprised to discover that it was a brass telescope, with all the optics still in place!
- The Council is to send an expert to inspect the trees to assess their condition.
1.1Examine (someone or something) to ensure that they reach an official standard: customs officers came aboard to inspect our documents...
- A regulatory organisation of both regional and international credibility, SANAS inspects laboratories to ensure they conform to international standards before they are accredited.
- Periodically, they are visited by a sinister official who inspects their papers and sometimes buys or confiscates a new fiddle.
- Three other incoming jets were asked to over-fly the airport while safety officials inspected the runway.
Synonyms
examine, check (over), scrutinize, vet, investigate, test, monitor, survey, study, go over, look over, look at, take a look at, pore over, view, scan, observe, explore, probe, subject to an examination, subject to an inspection, go over with a fine-tooth comb;
assess, appraise, review
informal check out, give something the once-over, give something a going-over, give something a look-see
Origin
Early 17th century (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.