Police: meaning, definitions and examples

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police

[ pəˈliːs ]

^{Context #1}

law enforcement

The civil force of a federal or local government, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order.

Synonyms

cops, law enforcement, officers

Examples of usage

The police are investigating the robbery.
She called the police when she heard a noise in her backyard.

^{Context #2}

control, regulate

To control, regulate, or keep in order by using police

Synonyms

control, monitor, regulate

Examples of usage

The teacher had to police the students during the field trip.
It is important to police your own behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "police" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polícia

🇮🇳 पुलिस

🇩🇪 Polizei

🇮🇩 polisi

🇺🇦 поліція

🇵🇱 policja

🇯🇵 警察 (けいさつ)

🇫🇷 police

🇪🇸 policía

🇹🇷 polis

🇰🇷 경찰 (경찰)

🇸🇦 شرطة

🇨🇿 policie

🇸🇰 polícia

🇨🇳 警察 (jǐngchá)

🇸🇮 policija

🇮🇸 lögregla

🇰🇿 полиция

🇬🇪 პოლიცია

🇦🇿 polis

🇲🇽 policía

Word origin

The word 'police' originated from the French 'police', which in turn came from the Latin 'politia' meaning 'civil administration'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to the civil force responsible for maintaining law and order. The modern police force as we know it today has its roots in the early 19th century, with the establishment of organized law enforcement agencies in various countries.