Meaning & Definition of word "Police"

Police

/pəˈliːs/

noun:

  • 1. The civil force of a state, responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing the law.
    • Example: The police arrived quickly to handle the disturbance in the neighborhood.
  • 2. Members of the police force.
    • Example: The police issued a statement about the safety measures in place for the event.
  • 3. A department or agency responsible for law enforcement.
    • Example: The city has allocated more funds to its police department for new equipment.

verb:

  • 1. To enforce laws or regulations.
    • Example: The officers were assigned to police the area during the festival.
  • 2. To control or maintain order in a particular situation.
    • Example: The volunteers were asked to police the event to ensure everyone followed the rules.

Etymology

From French 'police', from Latin 'politia'

Common Phrases and Expressions

police officer:

A member of the police force.

on the police beat:

Referring to a police officer's duty to patrol a specific area.

call the police:

To request assistance from law enforcement.

Related Words

law:

The system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members.

crime:

An act committed in violation of a law prohibiting it.

arrest:

To seize (a person) by legal authority.

Slang Meanings of police

Meaning: Cops

Example Sentence: The cops showed up after the noise complaint.

Meaning: The fuzz

Example Sentence: They were worried about the fuzz coming to break up the party.