Private investigator — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun

Meaning & Definition of Private investigator

Private investigator (noun)

  1. a person not a member of a police force who is licensed to do detective work (such as investigation of suspected wrongdoing or searching for missing persons)

Private investigator (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons

    "the retired policeman decided to become a private investigator"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Private investigator

The most common words with a similar meaning to Private investigator:

Slang: shamus

Origin & Etymology of Private investigator

First known use: 1940

Frequently Asked Questions about Private investigator

What does "Private investigator" mean?

"Private investigator" means a person not a member of a police force who is licensed to do detective work (such as investigation of suspected wrongdoing or searching for missing persons). As a noun, it is defined as: a person not a member of a police force who is licensed to do detective work (such as investigation of suspected wrongdoing or searching for missing persons).

What is another word for "Private investigator"?

Other words for "Private investigator" include detective, dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective and private eye. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Private investigator" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Private investigator"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Private investigator". Common alternatives include detective, dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator, operative, private detective, private eye, shamus and sherlock.

How do you use "Private investigator" in a sentence?

Examples of "Private investigator" in a sentence: "the retired policeman decided to become a private investigator".

Is "Private investigator" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Private investigator" is a noun.

What is the origin of the word "Private investigator"?

First known use: 1940.

What is another word for "Private investigator" meaning "a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons"?

When "Private investigator" (noun) means a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons, synonyms include detective, dick, gumshoe, hawkshaw, investigator and operative.

What words are related to "Private investigator"?

Words related to "Private investigator" include shadow, tail, tracer, tracker, fed, Federal, G-man and narc.