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Dragnet: meaning, definitions and examples

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dragnet

 

[ หˆdrรฆษกหŒnษ›t ]

Noun
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

Translations of the word "dragnet" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น rede de arrasto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเคพเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Abfangnetz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ jaring

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั–ั‚ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sieฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ถฒ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท filet

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ red

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท aฤŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ทธ๋ฌผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดุจูƒุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sรญลฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sieลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฝ‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mreลพa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ net

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะพั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒ•แƒแƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸษ™bษ™kษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ red

Etymology

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.