scrutiny

Definition

Intense study of someone or something.

Etymology

From Middle English scrutiny, from Medieval Latin scrūtinium (“a search, an inquiry”), from Vulgar Latin scrūtor (“to search or examine thoroughly”), from Late Latin scrūta (“rubbish, broken trash”), from an extension of Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to cut”).

Example Sentences

• "Thenceforth I thought thee worth my nearer view / And narrower scrutiny."
• "So much for the occupant of the britscha, who waits, as all the horses are out at a ball or a scrutiny."
• "Younger [Customs] examiners, who, perhaps, have not yet acquired the intuition resulting from years of experience, seem partly responsible for the closer examination of incoming luggage. Not only is this closer scrutiny arousing feelings of resentment among passengers, but it is causing serious delays in the departure of boat trains, many of which have been reaching their destinations two or three hours late."

Related Words