police
police Lexical Profile
police Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The civil force of a national or local government responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order.
"The local police patrolled the downtown streets during the festival to ensure public safety."
The members of a police force considered collectively, or an official body vested with similar regulatory authority.
"University campus police escorted students safely back to their dormitories late at night."
• verb
To maintain law and order in a specific area or event by means of a civil police force or security personnel.
"Extra officers were assigned to police the stadium grounds during the championship match."
To monitor, regulate, or enforce rules, standards, or agreements within an industry, organization, or community.
"An independent commission was established to police financial trading practices across the sector."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to the civil force or its members, 'police' functions as a plural collective noun and requires a plural verb (e.g., 'The police are investigating the incident'); to refer to a single individual, use 'police officer'.
• Rhymes for police
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French 'police' (civil administration or public order), from Latin 'politia', and ultimately from Ancient Greek 'politeia' (citizenship or government), derived from 'polis' meaning 'city'.