noun

robocop

ROH-boh-kahp

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Robocop (noun) means a police officer who is part machine, part human — a cyborg cop. Example: “The comic imagined a future where a wounded officer is rebuilt as a robocop.”

noun

A police officer who is part machine, part human — a cyborg cop.

"The comic imagined a future where a wounded officer is rebuilt as a robocop."

"Fans still quote lines from the original robocop movie."

"Opposite of natural monsters there are technological monsters such as terminators, cyborgs, and robocops—all of which undermine dichotomies between the artificial and the organic, the prosthetic and the natural." — Tyson E. Lewis, Richard Kahn (2010)

"Robocops, touted by state media as a way of beefing up Shenzhen’s security apparatus, are nowhere to be seen." — Amy Hawkins, Humanoid workers and surveillance buggies: ‘embodied AI’ is reshaping daily life in China (2025)

How to use robocop

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cyborg police officer, made famous by the movie of the same name.

Common pairings

a robocop movie like a robocop

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: robocops

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The comic imagined a future where a wounded officer is rebuilt as a _____.

Etymology

A blend of "robo-" and "cop," popularized by the 1987 film RoboCop.

· First attested 1987

Class of 1987 robocop joined the language around 1987.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “robocop” mean?

The word “robocop” means a police officer who is part machine, part human — a cyborg cop. In plain terms, a cyborg police officer, made famous by the movie of the same name.

How do you pronounce “robocop”?

“Robocop” is pronounced ROH-boh-kahp (/ˈɹoʊ.boʊˌkɑp/ in IPA).

How do you use “robocop” in a sentence?

Here is “robocop” used in a sentence: “The comic imagined a future where a wounded officer is rebuilt as a robocop.”

What part of speech is “robocop”?

“Robocop” is a noun.

Where does the word “robocop” come from?

The word “robocop” dates back to around 1987. A blend of "robo-" and "cop," popularized by the 1987 film RoboCop.