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Dragnet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dragnet

[หˆdrรฆษกหŒnษ›t ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

law enforcement

A dragnet is a systematic, organized method of capturing criminals or suspects by surrounding an area and searching it thoroughly. It is often employed by police and law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals who are wanted for crimes. The term implies a comprehensive approach, where numerous officers and resources are involved to ensure a complete sweep. This can include roadblocks, increased surveillance, and coordinated efforts across various departments.

Synonyms

manhunt, roadblock, search operation.

Examples of usage

  • The police set up a dragnet after the bank robbery.
  • A dragnet was initiated to find the escaped convict.
  • Authorities conducted a dragnet operation at the border.
  • The city's dragnet led to several arrests over the weekend.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The television series 'Dragnet' aired from the 1950s to the 1970s, showcasing police work and crime investigation.
  • The phrase 'Just the facts, maโ€™am' became widely recognized due to its use in 'Dragnet', highlighting a focus on straightforward police work.
  • Dragnet has influenced numerous crime shows and movies, often molding the procedural narrative format we see today.

Law Enforcement

  • A dragnet typically involves multiple law enforcement agencies working together to apprehend suspects during specific operations.
  • It can be used to gather evidence or apprehend individuals during a large-scale operation like a manhunt.
  • The effectiveness of a dragnet often relies on community cooperation, including tips and reports from the public.

Literature

  • The concept of a dragnet has appeared in various novels and crime stories, often symbolizing the exhaustive search for truth.
  • Authors use dragnet-like themes to explore moral dilemmas in crime, portraying the complexities of justice.
  • Mystery writers frequently employ these tactics to create suspenseful plots where the net closes in on the culprit.

Origin of 'dragnet'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'dragnet' comes from fishing, where a net is dragged along to catch fish.
  • It began being used in law enforcement in the early 20th century to describe searches for criminals.
  • The word combines 'drag', meaning to pull along, and 'net', which refers to the tool used to catch.

The term 'dragnet' originated in the early 20th century, combining the words 'drag' and 'net'. The word 'drag' refers to the act of pulling something along a surface, while 'net' refers to a mesh apparatus used to catch or confine something. This metaphorical usage suggests a sweeping effort to capture or ensnare individuals in a wide area. The concept gained popularity particularly in connection with police work and investigations. The use of 'dragnet' in law enforcement became widespread with the advent of radio and other communication technologies that enabled coordinated efforts among officers. The term was further popularized by media, including radio shows and movies, portraying diligent police work to enforce the law.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,039, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.