Cop: meaning, definitions and examples

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cop

[ kɒp ]

^{Context #1}

law enforcement

A police officer.

Synonyms

police officer, policeman, policewoman

Examples of usage

He was arrested by a cop for speeding.
The cop asked for my driver's license and registration.

^{Context #2}

informal

A person who fools or tricks others.

Synonyms

deceiver, swindler, trickster

Examples of usage

Don't be a cop and try to cheat your friends.
He's always trying to be a cop and get away with things.

^{Context #3}

informal

To take or steal something.

Synonyms

grab, snatch, steal

Examples of usage

I saw him cop some candy from the store.
She copped a pair of shoes without paying.

Translations

Translations of the word "cop" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polícia

🇮🇳 पुलिस

🇩🇪 Polizei

🇮🇩 polisi

🇺🇦 поліція

🇵🇱 policja

🇯🇵 警察

🇫🇷 police

🇪🇸 policía

🇹🇷 polis

🇰🇷 경찰

🇸🇦 شرطة

🇨🇿 policie

🇸🇰 polícia

🇨🇳 警察

🇸🇮 policija

🇮🇸 lögregla

🇰🇿 полиция

🇬🇪 პოლიცია

🇦🇿 polis

🇲🇽 policía

Word origin

The word 'cop' as a noun originated in the early 18th century as a shortened form of 'copper', which was a slang term for a police officer. It is believed to have derived from the verb 'to cop' meaning 'to catch or seize'. Over time, 'cop' has evolved to have multiple meanings including a police officer and a person who deceives others. As a verb, 'cop' is used informally to mean 'to steal'. The word has become widely used in various contexts and is recognized globally.