object of interest

[/ˈɒbdʒɪkt əv ˈɪntrəst/]
noun phrasepl: objects of interest
objeto de interesse
1. A person, thing, or matter that attracts attention, curiosity, or concern; something that is the focus of investigation, study, or observation
The ancient artifact became an object of interest for archaeologists worldwide.
O artefato antigo tornou-se um objeto de interesse para arqueólogos em todo o mundo.
2. In investigative or law enforcement contexts, a person or entity being targeted for scrutiny or investigation
The suspect was identified as an object of interest in the ongoing criminal investigation.
O suspeito foi identificado como um objeto de interesse na investigação criminal em andamento.
3. Something that captures romantic or social attention
She became an object of interest at the social gathering.
Ela se tornou um objeto de interesse na reunião social.
This phrase is widely used in both American and Brazilian English/Portuguese, particularly in law enforcement, academic research, and social contexts. In North American contexts, the shortened term 'person of interest' is frequently used in police investigations. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'objeto de interesse' maintains formal usage across media, investigative, and academic settings.
NYC Slang
person of interest (commonly used in NYC police/investigative contexts as abbreviated POI)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
point of interestsubject of interestcenter of attentionfocus of attentionmatter of concern
Antonyms / Antônimos
object of disinterestmatter of indifferenceunimportant matter

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
objeto de interesse
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
objeto de interesse / ponto de atenção
Both terms are commonly used; ponto de atenção is slightly more colloquial
São Paulo
objeto de interesse / alvo de interesse
Alvo de interesse is frequently used in business and investigative contexts
Portugal
objeto de interesse / assunto de interesse
Assunto de interesse is more commonly used in European Portuguese

Related Words

curiosityfascinationinvestigationscrutinyconcernfocus

Related Idioms & Phrases

become an object of interest
object of interest to someone
under investigation as an object of interest
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