suspect
UK: səˈspekt | US: səˈspekt
v. to believe something to be true or likely, especially without proof
n. a person thought to be guilty of a crime or wrongdoing
adj. not to be trusted; possibly dangerous or false
The word "suspect" originates from Latin suspectus, the past participle of suspicere ("to look up at" or "to mistrust"). The prefix sus- (variant of sub-) implies secrecy or hidden intent, while -pect derives from specere, meaning "to look." Over time, the term evolved to mean "to regard with mistrust" or "to believe someone is guilty without proof." The logic reflects the idea of "looking secretly" or "viewing with doubt."
The police suspect him of stealing the jewelry.
She gave him a suspect glance, unsure if he was telling the truth.
The package was left by a suspect who fled the scene.
His alibi seemed suspect to the investigators.
I suspect it will rain later based on the dark clouds.