verb (used with object), in·di·cat·ed, in·di·cat·ing.
- to be a sign of; betoken; evidence; show: His hesitation really indicates his doubt about the venture.
- to point out or point to; direct attention to: to indicate a place on a map.
- to show, as by measuring or recording; make known: The thermometer indicates air temperature.
- to state or express, especially briefly or in a general way; signal: He indicated his disapproval but did not go into detail.
- Medicine/Medical.
- (of symptoms) to point out (a particular remedy, treatment, etc.) as suitable or necessary.
- to show the presence of (a condition, infection, etc.).
verb (tr)
- (may take a clause as object) to be or give a sign or symptom of; implycold hands indicate a warm heart
- to point out or show
- (may take a clause as object) to state briefly; suggesthe indicated what his feelings were
- (of instruments) to show a reading ofthe speedometer indicated 50 miles per hour
- (usually passive) to recommend or requiresurgery seems to be indicated for this patient
1650s, back-formation from indication, or else from Latin indicatus, past participle of indicare “to point out, show, indicate, declare” (see indication). Related: Indicated; indicating.