inspector
UK: ɪnˈspektə | US: ɪnˈspektər
n. 1. An official appointed to examine or supervise something, especially for compliance with regulations.
n. 2. A police officer ranking below a superintendent.
n. 3. A person who inspects or examines something critically.
The word "inspector" originates from Latin inspicere ("to look into"), composed of in- (into) and specere (to look). The suffix -or denotes an agent, forming a noun meaning "one who looks into." Over time, it evolved through Old French inspectour into Middle English, retaining its core meaning of examination or oversight. The morpheme spect appears in many English words (e.g., "spectacle," "inspect"), consistently conveying visual scrutiny.
The health inspector visited the restaurant to check for hygiene violations.
She works as a school inspector, evaluating teaching standards.
The inspector examined the documents carefully for discrepancies.
A police inspector led the investigation into the theft.
The building inspector approved the construction after a thorough review.