detegere

Detegere is a Latin verb meaning to uncover, reveal, or disclose. It can denote physically removing a covering from an object, such as detegere a velum or a lid, as well as figuratively bringing to light information, evidence, or secrets. In both senses, the word conveys the idea of removing concealment to make something known.

Etymology and form: detegere is formed from de- “off, away” plus tegere “to cover,” expressing the action of removing covering or concealment. It is a third‑conjugation verb in Latin. In the present tense it appears as detegō, detegis, detegit, detegimus, detegitis, detegunt, and it forms the standard perfect, passive participle, and other constructions in keeping with its -ere paradigm. The supine is typically detectum and the perfect passive participle is detectus.

Usage and sense: In classical texts detegere is used both literally and metaphorically. It occurs in descriptions of uncovering physical coverings, as well as in rhetoric and history to denote exposing crimes, deceptions, or hidden truths. The verb often appears in legal, political, and forensic contexts, where evidence or motives are brought to light. It can also occur in religious or moral writings to signify unmasking falsehood or revealing the true nature of things.

Cognates and influence: The root of detegere lives on in English through detect and detection, and in detective-related terms, via French and other intermediaries that borrowed the sense of uncovering. These descendants preserve the core idea of bringing something concealed into view.

See also: tegere family, revelare, exponere.