detectivenoun [ C ]
uk/dɪˈtek.tɪv/us/dɪˈtek.tɪv/B1 someone whose job is to discover information about crimes and find out who is responsible for them:
a private detective
detective stories
used as part of the title of particular ranks in the police force:
Detective Sergeant Lewis
More examples
- Her new detective series will be her debut on the small screen.
- She hired a private detective to find out if her husband was having an affair.
- A private detective has apparently unearthed some fresh evidence.
- The detective on the case has been suspended from duty.
- During the investigation, two detectives assumed the identities of antiques dealers.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Detection & solving crimes
- all-points bulletin
- APB
- breath test
- breathalyse
- Breathalyser
- fingerprint
- frisk
- genetic fingerprinting
- informant
- lie detector
- manhunt
- mugshot
- neighbourhood watch
- offender profile
- RBT
- reconstruction
- reward
- rogues' gallery
- sleuth
- videofit
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
People who work for the police service