detective

Detective is defined as someone hired to investigate and solve crimes.

(noun)

An example of a detective is a law enforcement officer investigating a kidnapping.

The definition of detective is something related to investigating a crime or is used for detecting or finding something.

(adjective)

An example of detective is examination of a crime; detective investigation.

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See detective in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. of or for detection
  2. of detectives and their work

noun

  1. Origin: short for detective policeman

    a person on a police force, whose work is investigating and trying to solve crimes
  2. Origin: short for private detective

    a person working privately to investigate crimes, gather information, etc.

See detective in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
A person, usually a member of a police force, who investigates crimes and obtains evidence or information.
adjective
  1. Of or relating to detectives or their work: detective novels.
  2. Suited for or used in detection.

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