A1noun1K

Police

UK /["/pəˈliːs/"]/US /["/pəˈliːs/"]/

Definition

an official organization whose job is to make people obey the law and to prevent and solve crime; the people who work for this organization

In simple words: The people who keep the law and help everyone stay safe.

Examples

  • The police arrived quickly to handle the situation.
  • You should always call the police if you see a crime.
  • The police officer gave me directions to the nearest hospital.
  • She wants to become a police officer when she grows up.
  • The police are investigating a series of burglaries in the area.

Usage notes

Use 'police' when talking about law enforcement in general. Avoid in informal contexts where you might say 'cops' instead. Ideal for news, discussions about safety, or legal matters.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'police' like 'poli-ce', where 'poli' reminds you of 'policies' that keep you safe.

Collocations

  • armed
  • mounted
  • plain-clothes
  • call
  • contact
  • alert
  • arrest somebody
  • detain somebody
  • catch somebody
  • captain
  • chief
  • commissioner
  • helping the police with their enquiries
  • in police custody

Synonyms

  • law enforcement
  • constabulary
  • sheriff's department
  • gendarmerie
  • patrol

Antonyms

  • criminal
  • offender

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'policy', meaning rules or guidelines.
  • Using 'police' as a singular instead of plural.
  • Mixing up the noun 'police' with the verb 'to police'.