Detective vs. Spy — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Detective and Spy
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Definitions
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.
Spy➦
One who secretly collects information concerning the enemies of a government or group.
Detective➦
A person, usually a member of a police force, who investigates crimes and obtains evidence or information.
Spy➦
One who secretly collects information for a business about one or more of its competitors.
Detective➦
Of or relating to detectives or their work
Detective novels.
Spy➦
One who secretly keeps watch on another or others.
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Detective➦
Suited for or used in detection.
Spy➦
To watch or observe secretly
Was sent to spy out the enemy camp.
Detective➦
(law enforcement) A police officer who looks for evidence as part of solving a crime; an investigator.
Spy➦
To discover by close observation
"[They] are continually prowling about on all three decks, eager to spy out iniquities" (Herman Melville).
Detective➦
A person employed to find information not otherwise available to the public.
Spy➦
To catch sight of; see
Spied the ship on the horizon.
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Detective➦
Employed in detecting.
Spy➦
To engage in espionage.
Detective➦
Fitted for, or skilled in, detecting; employed in detecting crime or criminals; as, a detective officer.
Spy➦
To investigate or observe something, especially in secret
Spying into the neighbor's activities.
Detective➦
One who business it is so detect criminals or discover matters of secrecy.
Spy➦
A person who secretly watches and examines the actions of other individuals or organizations and gathers information on them (usually to gain an advantage).
Detective➦
A police officer who investigates crimes
Spy➦
(intransitive) To act as a spy.
During the Cold War, Russia and America would each spy on each other for recon.
Detective➦
An investigator engaged or employed in obtaining information not easily available to the public
Spy➦
(transitive) To spot; to catch sight of.
I think I can spy that hot guy coming over here.
Spy➦
(intransitive) To search narrowly; to scrutinize.
Spy➦
(transitive) To explore; to see; to view; inspect and examine secretly, as a country.
Spy➦
To gain sight of; to discover at a distance, or in a state of concealment; to espy; to see.
One, in reading, skipped over all sentences where he spied a note of admiration.
Spy➦
To discover by close search or examination.
Look about with your eyes; spy what things are to be reformed in the church of England.
Spy➦
To explore; to view, inspect, and examine secretly, as a country; - usually with out.
Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof.
Spy➦
To search narrowly; to scrutinize.
It is my nature's plagueTo spy into abuses.
Spy➦
One who keeps a constant watch of the conduct of others.
Spy➦
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.
Spy➦
(military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
Spy➦
A secret watcher; someone who secretly watches other people;
My spies tell me that you had a good time last night
Spy➦
Catch sight of
Spy➦
Watch, observe, or inquire secretly
Spy➦
Secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage;
Spy for the Russians
