'detect' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'detegere,' where 'de-' meant 'un-' and 'tegere' meant 'to cover.'

'detegere' transformed into the Old French word 'detecter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'detect' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to uncover or reveal,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to discover or identify the presence of something.'