'cheat-detection' originates from Modern English, specifically a compound of the words 'cheat' and 'detection'. 'Cheat' ultimately appears in Middle English (e.g. 'cheten') meaning 'to deceive or swindle', while 'detection' derives from Latin 'detectio' (from 'detegere', where 'de-' meant 'away/un-' and 'tegere' meant 'to cover'), meaning 'an uncovering'.

'Cheat' developed in Middle English from earlier forms meaning to trick or swindle; 'detection' passed into English via Latin and Old French from the verb 'detegere' (to uncover). The compound 'cheat-detection' is a modern technical formation (20th–21st century) used to name methods and systems for identifying cheating.

The components originally meant 'to deceive' (cheat) and 'to uncover' (detection); combined in modern usage they denote the act or technology of uncovering deception—specifically identifying instances of cheating.