police

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The official organization, and its members, whose job is to keep order, prevent crime, and make sure people obey the law.

   Someone called the police after the robbery.

2. 2
   verb

   To keep order and control in a place or group.

   Extra security was hired to police the crowd at the big game.

3. 3
   verb

   To make sure that rules or standards are followed.

   It is hard to police what people post online.

Common collocations

• police officer Adjective + noun
• local police Adjective + noun
• call the police Verb + noun
• armed police Adjective + noun
• police chief Adjective + noun
• involve the police Verb + noun
• riot police Adjective + noun
• undercover police Adjective + noun

From Middle French police, from Latin polītīa (“state, government”), from Ancient Greek πολιτεία (politeía). Doublet of policy, polis (“police”), and polity.

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