Cop: meaning, definitions and examples

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cop

[kɒp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

law enforcement

A police officer.

Synonyms

police officer, policeman, policewoman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cop	Informal and casual situations; may be used in everyday conversation. I saw a cop directing traffic at the intersection The cops arrived quickly after the alarm went off
police officer	Formal and neutral; used in formal writing and when gender is not specified or relevant. The police officer asked to see my identification There was a police officer stationed outside the building
policeman	Formal and general; used to specifically refer to a male police officer. The policeman helped the lost child find her parents A brave policeman stopped the robbery in progress
policewoman	Formal and general; used to specifically refer to a female police officer. The policewoman gave a talk at our school about safety A talented policewoman solved the difficult case quickly

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A person who fools or tricks others.

Synonyms

deceiver, swindler, trickster.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cop	Informal term for a police officer, commonly used in everyday conversation and casual settings. A cop pulled me over for speeding. There are a lot of cops at the festival for security.
deceiver	Someone who lies or misleads others. This word carries a negative connotation and is used to describe a person who is dishonest. He was known as a deceiver in the community. You can't trust a deceiver’s words.
trickster	A person who deceives people for fun or malicious purposes. Often used in storytelling or folklore. In many fairy tales, there is a trickster who causes trouble. The trickster played pranks on everyone in the village.
swindler	Someone who uses scams or fraud to steal money or goods, typically involves elaborate schemes. This word carries a strong negative connotation. The swindler was arrested for running a Ponzi scheme. She was a victim of a swindler who promised her fake investment returns.

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 | Verb}

informal

To take or steal something.

Synonyms

grab, snatch, steal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cop	Informal term often used by young people or in casual speech to refer to the act of obtaining something, usually not through theft. It can also be used in the context of buying something. He managed to cop the latest sneakers before they sold out I'll cop some tickets for the concert this weekend
steal	Used to describe taking something that does not belong to you without permission and intending to keep it. This word carries a clearly negative connotation and implies illegal activity. Someone tried to steal my bike last night He was caught stealing money from the cash register
grab	This word is used in informal contexts to indicate quickly taking something, which can be either with permission or without. It often implies urgency or eagerness. Let's grab a coffee before the meeting She grabbed the opportunity to travel abroad
snatch	Used to describe quickly taking something, often without permission, or in a hurried and possibly forceful manner. It can have a slightly negative connotation. The thief snatched her purse and ran away He snatched the last piece of cake when no one was looking

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'cop' is believed to come from the verb 'to cop', meaning to capture or seize, which connects to the role of law enforcement.
In the early 1800s, the term was popularized in London, where officers were referred to as 'coppers', a slang for police.
The word evolved in the United States during the 19th century, reflecting the casual relationship between officers and the communities they served.

Pop Culture

Various TV shows and films feature cops as central characters, such as 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' and 'The Wire', reflecting different aspects of policing.
Cops are often depicted as heroes in movies, yet also face criticism, showcasing the complexities of law enforcement in modern society.
Music genres like hip-hop often mention cops, sometimes in a negative light, indicating tensions between law enforcement and communities.

Historical Context

The first organized police force, the Metropolitan Police, was established in London in 1829, leading to formal use of the term 'police officer'.
In the United States, police departments began forming in the early 1800s, mostly for controlling crime in growing urban areas.
Throughout history, the role of law enforcement has evolved, influenced by social movements and changes in law.

Psychology

Studies show that most police officers undergo significant stress due to the nature of their job, impacting their mental health.
Research indicates that community relations improve when police are seen as approachable and involved in local activities.
The role of a cop is often associated with authority, which can lead to complex relationships with the community they serve.

Global Perspectives

The structure of police forces varies significantly worldwide; some countries use military-style enforcement while others focus on community-based approaches.
Cops in different cultures may prioritize various aspects of their duty, influenced by societal norms and values.
In some nations, police face criticism and demand for reform, illustrating global challenges in maintaining public trust.

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 Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,772, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10769 undermined
10770 indulged
10771 cedar
10772 cop
10773 shocking
10774 forgiven
10775 intermediary
...