police

The word “police” means the official organization responsible for enforcing laws and keeping public order. In plain terms, the law-enforcement body, or the act of monitoring and enforcing rules.

“Police” is pronounced puh-LEES (/pəˈliːs/ in IPA).

Here is “police” used in a sentence: “The police were called after neighbours reported the noise.”

Depending on how it is used, “police” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “police” comes from Latin. From French police, from Latin politia, "civil administration," ultimately from Greek polis, "city." A doublet of "policy" and "polity.".

“Police” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Police” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the official organization responsible for enforcing laws and keeping public order.

The police enforce the law and keep order within a country, dealing with crime and protecting the public in everyday life. The military defends the nation against external threats and fights wars. Police answer to civil authority and follow criminal law, while armed forces operate under separate rules and command.

The police enforce laws, prevent and investigate crime, arrest suspects and keep public order. They respond to emergencies, patrol communities, direct traffic, gather evidence and help maintain safety. Their broader purpose is to protect people and property and to uphold the rule of law on behalf of the public.

Police are public officers employed by the state with legal powers to arrest, detain and enforce the law throughout their jurisdiction. Security guards are hired privately to protect a specific property or event and generally have no more authority than an ordinary citizen. Only the police can enforce criminal law.

The police uphold the rule of law and keep society orderly and safe. Without them, crime could go unchecked and disputes might be settled by force. By deterring wrongdoing, investigating offences and protecting the vulnerable, they allow ordinary life to function with a basic level of security and trust.