Officer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👮
Add to dictionary

officer

[ˈɒfɪsər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

law enforcement

A person in a position of authority, especially in the police or military.

Synonyms

constable, cop, law enforcement officer, policeman.

Examples of usage

  • The police officer helped direct traffic after the accident.
  • The officer in charge gave orders to the troops.
Context #2 | Noun

official

A person holding a position of authority in a government or organization.

Synonyms

administrator, executive, leader, official.

Examples of usage

  • The chief financial officer is responsible for managing the company's finances.
  • The officer of the court ensured that the legal procedures were followed.
Context #3 | Noun

military

A person holding a position of authority in the military.

Synonyms

commander, military officer, officer cadet.

Examples of usage

  • The commanding officer led the troops into battle.
  • The officer cadet trained to become a commissioned officer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The concept of an officer as a leader dates back to ancient civilizations, where military and civic leaders were often designated roles.
  • In medieval Europe, officers were tasked with maintaining order and executing laws, leading to the modern understanding of the role.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, officers are often portrayed as heroes, fighting to protect the weak and uphold justice.
  • Television shows like 'Law & Order' and 'CSI' have popularized the role of police officers and detectives in solving crimes.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that the presence of law enforcement officers can significantly affect people's feelings of safety in a community.
  • The concept of authority and trust in officers is heavily influenced by societal norms and media representation.

Science

  • Research in organizational behavior shows that effective leaders, often referred to as officers in a corporate context, inspire higher employee morale.
  • Psychological studies have explored the impact of an officer's leadership style on team dynamics and performance.

Origin of 'officer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'officer' comes from the Latin 'officium', meaning 'duty' or 'service'.
  • In Old French, the term 'officier' referred to a person who held a position of responsibility.

The word 'officer' originated from Middle English 'officer', from Old French 'oficier', based on Latin 'officium' meaning 'performance of a task'. The term was first used in the 14th century to refer to a person holding a position of authority. Over time, 'officer' has become widely used in various contexts, including law enforcement, military, and official positions.


See also: office.

Word Frequency Rank

At #875 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.