police
puh-LEES
Police (noun) means the official organization responsible for enforcing laws and keeping public order. Example: “The police were called after neighbours reported the noise.”
noun
1
The official organization responsible for enforcing laws and keeping public order.
"The police were called after neighbours reported the noise."
"If you see anything suspicious, you should phone the police straight away."
"The police officer directed traffic around the broken-down lorry."
verb
1
To enforce laws or order within a group or area.
"It's hard for a small team to police such a large event."
"Social media platforms struggle to police misinformation."
"Volunteers help to police the car park during the busy summer festival."
How to use police
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe law-enforcement body, or the act of monitoring and enforcing rules.
Common pairings
call the police
police force
police a rule
self-police
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- polices
- Past tense
- policed
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The _____ were called after neighbours reported the noise.
Etymology
From French police, from Latin politia, "civil administration," ultimately from Greek polis, "city." A doublet of "policy" and "polity."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for police
See all rhymes for police →Frequently asked questions
What does “police” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “police”?
“Police” is pronounced puh-LEES (/pəˈliːs/ in IPA).
How do you use “police” in a sentence?
Here is “police” used in a sentence: “The police were called after neighbours reported the noise.”
What part of speech is “police”?
Depending on how it is used, “police” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “police” come from?
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.".
Is “police” a common word?
“Police” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “police” have?
“Police” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the official organization responsible for enforcing laws and keeping public order.
What is the difference between the police and the military?
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.
What do the police do?
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.
What is the difference between police and security guards?
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.
Why are the police important?
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.
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