All our requests for documents were vetted by a woman from the KGB. Orlando Figes
Because organizers know that the success of their fairs is always a function of the quality of the merchandise …, many of them vet the items being sold. Jeffrey Robinson
b
: to subject to usually expert appraisal or correction
vet a manuscript
… the ad agency that vets the show's plot line for authenticity. Mark Harris
He writes his speeches in longhand and often holds them until the last minute so that they cannot be vetted by aides or Government ministers. Howell Raines
I don't care to see Dr. Stopler and have my weaknesses vetted. Richard Ford
2
: to provide veterinary care for (an animal) : to subject (an animal) to veterinary examination
The SCHS works directly with the municipal county shelter by taking animals into our foster care system, fully vetting them and adopting them to forever homes. Steve Rogers
"As a practicing veterinarian many years ago," writes Douglas F. McBride of Washingtonville, N.Y., "I was occasionally called to vet a horse. …" William Safire
vetternoun
plural vetters
Did you know?
A Brief History of the Verb Vet
When we vet a statement for accuracy or vet a candidate for a position, what are we doing, literally? Does the verb have something to do with veteran "a person with long experience," perhaps indicating that the thing or person vetted is proved to be tried and true?
Interestingly, the word is not related to veteran at all, but rather to veterinarian "an animal doctor." That noun was shortened to vet by the mid-19th century and, within decades, gave rise to a verb vet meaning "to subject (an animal) to medical examination." The verb was soon applied to human beings as well, broadening in sense to "to perform a medical checkup on." By the early 20th century, this word took on the figurative meaning that is now most familiar: "to subject a person or thing to scrutiny; to examine for flaws."
Noun (1) I have to take my dog to the vet. Verb They vetted her thoroughly before offering her the job. The book was vetted by several different editors. He's already vetted the plan, so we can start right away.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Often the animal also needs a vet, sometimes even a stay in the hospital. Stella Marie Hombach, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2022 Season 3 of The Boys ended its run on Amazon in July, with Supernatural vet Jensen Ackles playing a key role as Soldier Boy. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 10 Sep. 2022 The five-part event series will be penned by military vet-turned-screenwriter Nick Jones Jr., who served as head writer for the streamer’s Yasuke anime adaptation last year. Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 Early Saturday morning, the humane society's vet, Steven Cybela, examined them and noted there were no major health concerns, according to a news release from the humane society. Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2022 Next up was Nicole Benefield, an industry vet who worked for 20 years before launching her namesake label in 2020. Irene Kim, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2022 While discretionary spending on pets has weakened, Mr. Coughlin said consumers aren’t cutting back on grooming or vet visits. Dean Seal, WSJ, 24 Aug. 2022 Jamie interviewed veterinarian expert Megan Conrad, MBBS, a veterinarian at Hello Ralphie and associate vet at WellHaven Pet Health. Lindsey Murray, Good Housekeeping, 16 Aug. 2022 Grammy winner, Real Housewives of Atlanta star, and Broadway vet! Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 5 Aug. 2022
Noun
Right now, the team is made up of three pre-vet students.al, 24 Oct. 2021 Many animal science classes coincide with pre-vet requirements that are junior- and senior-level classes.Arkansas Online, 7 June 2021 Lindsey said the pre-vet curriculum at UAM is difficult.Arkansas Online, 7 June 2021
Verb
The bill would also require that companies vet their products for risks to children and take steps to address them. Cristiano Lima, Washington Post, 27 July 2022 After Schreiber flags the influencers, Hong and others call them to vet their demeanor and professionalism—and to suss out any untapped advertising potential.Wired, 15 July 2022 Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services vet such purchases, these seemed less-than-ideal buyers: None had experience running a hospital, and Peterson had been accused of Medicare fraud. Sarah Jane Tribble, USA TODAY, 15 Aug. 2022 Bibb has created the Center for Economic Recovery, comprised of his cabinet members, to help vet spending ideas and implement his spending plan. Lucas Daprile, cleveland, 12 July 2022 Simon pointed out that changes to the criminal code usually go through an extensive legislative process, in which the Assembly’s many lawyer-members can vet any proposal. Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 16 June 2022 In a letter filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Monday, lawyers for Musk said that Twitter has refused to hand over its user data so that Musk can vet the company's user base. Irina Ivanova, CBS News, 6 June 2022 Polyak said the committees will vet as many as eight candidates via phone or video with the goal of whittling down to three to four finalists. George Castle, chicagotribune.com, 17 Nov. 2021 Through May and June, a small circle of officials across the government worked to vet the intelligence and devise options for Biden. Zeke Miller, Aamer Madhani, Anchorage Daily News, 2 Aug. 2022 See More