Pronunciation

/səˈsʌpɪkt/

Definitions

Noun

1. A person or thing considered to have committed a crime or be responsible for an action: The police are investigating several suspects in the robbery case.
2. A person who is distrusted or suspected of having ulterior motives: She was a suspect in the office politics.

Verb

1. To consider or believe someone to be guilty or responsible for something: The detectives were suspecting the man of the theft.
2. To doubt the truth or reliability of something: He suspects that the information is false.

Adjective

1. Believed or thought to be guilty or dishonest: The suspect’s alibi did not hold up in court.
2. Showing or indicating doubt or mistrust: A suspicious look from the guard.

Phrases

• “Under suspicion” indicates that someone is being closely examined or doubted.
• “Suspect activity” refers to actions that seem suspicious or illicit.
• “Clearing a suspect” means to prove someone’s innocence.

Example Sentences

• Noun: The detective was interviewing several suspects, hoping to find the real culprit.
• Verb: The police began to suspect that the fire was set intentionally.
• Adjective: His behavior became increasingly suspicious as the night went on.

Synonyms

• Suspect (noun): Accused, prime suspect, suspect individual, person of interest
• Suspect (verb): Believe, doubt, mistrust, entertain suspicions
• Suspicious: Cautious, doubtful, mistrustful, questionable