'suspect' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'suspectare,' where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'spectare' meant 'to look at.'

'suspectare' transformed into the Old French word 'suspecter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'suspect' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to look at closely or watch,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to doubt or mistrust.'