Police: meaning, definitions and examples

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police

[pəˈliːs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
police	Formal or general term used to refer to the entire organization of law enforcement or a group of officers. The police are investigating the incident Call the police if there's an emergency
law enforcement	Formal term generally used in official documents, news reports, or discussions about the broader system of policing. Law enforcement agencies are cooperating to tackle the issue Careers in law enforcement require rigorous training
cops	Casual or informal term often used in everyday conversation. I saw some cops at the park today The cops were quick to arrive on the scene
officers	Respectful term used to refer specifically to individuals in the police force. The officers were very helpful She spoke to the officers about what she saw

Examples of usage

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

^{Context #2 | Verb}

control, regulate

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

Synonyms

control, monitor, regulate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
police	Used to describe maintaining public order, enforcing laws, or supervising a specific behavior or event. It often has a formal or official connotation. The city has increased the number of officers to police the streets. Volunteers were asked to police the event to ensure everyone followed the rules.
control	Refers to having power or authority over something or someone. It’s used in various contexts including managing, governing, or restraining. She was hired to control the company's finances. The government imposed strict measures to control the spread of the virus.
regulate	Used to describe making rules or laws to control an activity or process. It often involves setting standards or guidelines. The government plans to regulate the use of drones in public areas. New policies were introduced to regulate the emissions from factories.
monitor	Means observing and checking the progress or quality of something over a period of time. It implies a continuous or regular observation. The teacher will monitor the students' progress throughout the semester. We need to monitor the situation closely to ensure safety.

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'politia', meaning 'public order'.
Modern policing began in the early 19th century with the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in London.
The first police force in the U.S. was formed in Boston in 1838.

Pop Culture

Police officers are often depicted in movies and TV shows as heroes who solve crimes, like in shows such as 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'.
Songs, like 'Bad Boys' by Inner Circle, celebrate the idea of police and the pursuit of justice.
Many video games, like 'Grand Theft Auto', incorporate police characters as part of their gameplay.

Psychology

The presence of police in communities can significantly affect public safety perceptions, making citizens feel more secure.
Community policing strategies emphasize building relationships between officers and locals to strengthen community ties.
Research shows that a positive relationship with law enforcement can influence compliance with the law.

Law and Society

Different countries have various policing methods, with some emphasizing community-based approaches, while others may focus more on traditional law enforcement.
The concept of 'policing by consent' in places like the UK encourages cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.
Police departments often have specialized units, such as K-9 units, that utilize trained dogs for certain tasks.

Science and Technology

Modern policing heavily relies on technology, including body cameras and data analytics to improve crime-solving.
Forensic science, which uses scientific methods to investigate crimes, has revolutionized how police gather evidence.
The rise of social media allows police departments to interact with communities in new ways, improving transparency and trust.

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 Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,137, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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