Policeman: meaning, definitions and examples

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policeman

[ˈpɒlɪsmən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

occupation

A policeman is a male or female member of a police force, responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining public order.

Synonyms

cop, law enforcement officer, police officer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
policeman	This term is traditionally used and is somewhat formal. It specifically refers to a male police officer and can sound a bit old-fashioned. The policeman directed traffic at the busy intersection. I saw a policeman patrolling the neighborhood.
police officer	This term is neutral, professional, and gender-neutral. It is suitable for both formal settings and daily conversation. A police officer helped the lost child find their parents. The police officer wrote a report about the incident.
cop	This is an informal and colloquial term. It is commonly used in everyday conversation but can be considered disrespectful or casual. A cop pulled me over for speeding. The cops showed up just in time to catch the burglars.
law enforcement officer	This term is formal and broad. It can refer to any officer who enforces the law, not just police officers. The law enforcement officer testified in court. Law enforcement officers are trained to handle various situations.

Examples of usage

The policeman arrested the thief.
She has been working as a policeman for ten years.
The policeman helped the lost child find her parents.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

In informal contexts, a policeman is often used to refer to a male police officer.

Synonyms

cop, law enforcement officer, police officer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
policeman	This term is used in general, everyday conversation to refer to a male member of the police force. The policeman helped the children cross the street The policeman told us to move the car
police officer	This neutral term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to refer to any member of the police force, regardless of gender. A police officer arrived to help with the accident She became a police officer to make a difference in her community
cop	This informal term is often used in casual conversation and sometimes in media like movies or TV shows. It can also have a slightly negative connotation. The cop pulled us over for speeding A cop showed up at the scene within minutes
law enforcement officer	This formal term is used in official contexts, such as documents, news reports, or when emphasizing the professional role of the person. The law enforcement officer was honored for his heroic actions The training program is for all law enforcement officers

Examples of usage

The policeman directed the traffic during the parade.
Ask the policeman for directions to the nearest police station.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term has its roots in Middle French, 'policier,' meaning 'of the city,' which reflects the officer's urban roles.
Originally, 'police' referred to the governance of a city and was used in English around the 18th century.
The word evolved from words related to 'policy' and 'politics,' illustrating the link between law enforcement and societal order.

Historical Context

The modern form of policing developed in the early 19th century, with the establishment of the Metropolitan Police Service in London in 1829.
Police forces were initially formed as a response to increased urban crime and the need for public order.
In many cultures, the idea of a 'peace officer' predates modern policing, with individuals dedicated to maintaining community safety.

Cultural Representation

Policemen are often portrayed in films and television as heroes or allies in the fight against crime, influencing public perception.
They are frequently depicted in literature as protectors of society, often navigating moral dilemmas between duty and personal beliefs.
In some countries, policemen are involved in community engagement programs, reshaping their image to emphasize partnership and trust.

Science and Psychology

Studies show that positive community-police relations can significantly lower crime rates and improve public safety.
The presence of policemen can lead to a perceived sense of safety among citizens, influencing community behavior.
Research indicates that stress and trauma experienced by policemen can impact their mental health, highlighting the need for support systems.

Pop Culture

The iconic image of a policeman often includes a badge, uniform, and a patrol car, which have become symbols of authority.
Famous movies, like 'Bad Boys' and 'Die Hard,' depict policemen in action-packed scenarios, shaping how society views law enforcement.
Animated films like 'Zootopia' feature animal policemen, introducing younger audiences to themes of justice and teamwork.

Translations

Translations of the word "policeman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 policial

🇮🇳 पुलिसवाला

🇩🇪 Polizist

🇮🇩 polisi

🇺🇦 поліцейський

🇵🇱 policjant

🇯🇵 警察官 (けいさつかん)

🇫🇷 policier

🇪🇸 policía

🇹🇷 polis memuru

🇰🇷 경찰관 (gyeongchalgwan)

🇸🇦 شرطي (shurṭi)

🇨🇿 policista

🇸🇰 policajt

🇨🇳 警察 (jǐngchá)

🇸🇮 policist

🇮🇸 lögreglumaður

🇰🇿 полиция қызметкері

🇬🇪 პოლიციელი (politsi'eli)

🇦🇿 polis

🇲🇽 policía