—n.
1 (usu. prec. by the) the civil force of a State, responsible for maintaining public order.
2 (as pl.) the members of a police force (several hundred police).
3 a force with similar functions of enforcing regulations (military police; railway police).
—v.tr.
1 control (a country or area) by means of police.
2 provide with police.
3 keep order in; control.
Phrases and idioms:
police constable see CONSTABLE. police dog a dog, esp. an Alsatian, used in police work. police officer a policeman or policewoman. police State a totalitarian State controlled by political police supervising the citizens' activities. police station the office of a local police force.
Etymology: F f. med.L politia POLICY(1)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.