Lawman: meaning, definitions and examples

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lawman

[ ˈlɔːmən ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal profession

A lawman is a person who upholds and enforces the law, typically a police officer or sheriff. Lawmen are responsible for maintaining public order, investigating crimes, and ensuring the safety of the community.

Synonyms

officer, policeman, sheriff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lawman	This term is used in a general sense to describe a person whose job is to enforce the law. It can be used in both modern and historical contexts and does not specify any particular rank or type of law enforcement officer. He's a seasoned lawman with over 20 years of service. The old Western towns often had a single lawman to keep the peace.
policeman	Commonly used in everyday language to refer to a male member of the police force. It's less formal than 'officer' and may have a slightly outdated or traditional feel. The policeman patrolled the streets every night. My uncle is a policeman and he loves his job.
sheriff	This term refers specifically to a law enforcement officer who is in charge of a county. It is commonly used in American English and often associated with rural or less urbanized areas. Sheriffs are usually elected officials. The sheriff of the county held a press conference about the recent crime wave. In small towns, the sheriff knows everyone by name.
officer	Typically used in a formal or respectful context to refer to a member of the police force. It is a broad term that can include various ranks within the police department. Excuse me, Officer, can you help me find this address? The officer on duty responded swiftly to the emergency call.

Examples of usage

The lawman arrested the suspect for shoplifting.
The lawman patrolled the streets to prevent crime.
The lawman swore to protect and serve the citizens.
The lawman investigated the robbery at the bank.
The lawman wore a badge and carried a gun for protection.

Translations

Translations of the word "lawman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 policial

🇮🇳 कानून अधिकारी

🇩🇪 Polizist

🇮🇩 polisi

🇺🇦 поліцейський

🇵🇱 policjant

🇯🇵 警官 (けいかん)

🇫🇷 policier

🇪🇸 policía

🇹🇷 polis memuru

🇰🇷 경찰관

🇸🇦 شرطي

🇨🇿 policista

🇸🇰 policajt

🇨🇳 警察 (jǐngchá)

🇸🇮 policist

🇮🇸 lögreglumaður

🇰🇿 полиция қызметкері

🇬🇪 პოლიციელი

🇦🇿 polis

🇲🇽 policía

Etymology

The term 'lawman' originated in the United States during the American Old West era. It was used to describe individuals tasked with enforcing the law in frontier towns and territories. Lawmen played a crucial role in maintaining order and justice in often lawless and dangerous environments. Over time, the term has become synonymous with police officers and other law enforcement officials in modern society.