noun

inspector

A police officer holding the rank of inspector.

The inspector questions the witness at the station.

Etymology

The occupational word names someone who inspects or examines. Police organizations adopted it as a rank associated with oversight and investigative responsibility.

More examples

  • Several inspectors worked on the investigation.
  • He was promoted to inspector.
  • The detective inspector reviewed the report in the British novel.

Forms

inspector · inspectors

Similar words

detective
An officer investigating crimes, without specifying rank.