noun / verb
police
puh-LEES/pəˈliːs/
The civil force responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public order.
Two police officers investigate a broken shop window and record a witness's account.
Etymology
From “civil administration,” police narrowed to the maintenance of public order. The name then shifted from that governmental function to the organized force and officers who carry it out.
In context
attempting a federal takeover of our police force. None of these are durable, longlasting solutions for driving crime down.
More examples
- Call the police if someone breaks into your home.
- The police direct traffic around the accident.
- Referees police the game to keep players safe.
Forms
police · polices · policed · policing
policing noun — The work of enforcing laws or rules.
Similar words
- law enforcement
- Emphasizes enforcing laws rather than the organization doing it.
- officers
- Names individual personnel, who may also serve other organizations.