Detective vs. Spy

Detectivenoun

(law enforcement) A police officer who looks for evidence as part of solving a crime; an investigator.

Detectivenoun

A person employed to find information not otherwise available to the public.

Detectiveadjective

Employed in detecting.

Detectiveadjective

Fitted for, or skilled in, detecting; employed in detecting crime or criminals; as, a detective officer.

Detectivenoun

One who business it is so detect criminals or discover matters of secrecy.

Detectivenoun

a police officer who investigates crimes

Detectivenoun

an investigator engaged or employed in obtaining information not easily available to the public

Detective

A detective is an investigator, usually a member of a law enforcement agency. They often collect information to solve crimes by talking to witnesses and informants, collecting physical evidence, or searching records in databases.

Spynoun

A person who secretly watches and examines the actions of other individuals or organizations and gathers information on them (usually to gain an advantage).

Spyverb

(intransitive) To act as a spy.

Spyverb

(transitive) To spot; to catch sight of.

Spyverb

(intransitive) To search narrowly; to scrutinize.

Spyverb

(transitive) To explore; to see; to view; inspect and examine secretly, as a country.

Spyverb

To gain sight of; to discover at a distance, or in a state of concealment; to espy; to see.

Spyverb

To discover by close search or examination.

Spyverb

To explore; to view, inspect, and examine secretly, as a country; - usually with out.

Spyverb

To search narrowly; to scrutinize.

Spynoun

One who keeps a constant watch of the conduct of others.

Spynoun

A person sent secretly into an enemy's camp, territory, or fortifications, to inspect his works, ascertain his strength, movements, or designs, and to communicate such intelligence to the proper officer.

Spynoun

(military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors

Spynoun

a secret watcher; someone who secretly watches other people;

Spyverb

catch sight of

Spyverb

watch, observe, or inquire secretly

Spyverb

secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage;