1.
detection; exposure; coming to light
The discovery or revelation of something that was hidden, especially wrongdoing, crimes, or scandals.
不正が発覚した。
The misconduct came to light.
事件が発覚して大きなニュースになった。
The incident was exposed and became big news.
長年の横領が内部調査で発覚した。
Years of embezzlement was discovered through an internal investigation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 不正が発覚する - misconduct comes to light
- 事件が発覚する - an incident is exposed
- 発覚を恐れる - to fear discovery
- 発覚を免れる - to escape detection
USAGE NOTES:
Typically used with the intransitive pattern: Xが発覚する (X comes to light)
Almost always refers to negative things being discovered.
RELATED WORDS:
- 隠蔽 - concealment (what is done before 発覚)
- 暴露 - exposure (active revelation by someone)