English · Family & People
police officer
/pəˈliːs ˌɒf.ɪ.sər/
[/pəˈliːs ˌɒf.ɪ.sər/]
constable, cop
Beginnernoun
Definition
A police officer is a member of the police who works to maintain order and enforce the law.
Example
A friendly police officer directed traffic around the accident while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
A friendly police officer directed traffic around the accident while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
Etymology
'Police' from French via Latin 'politia' (civil administration); 'officer' from Latin 'officium' (duty).
How & Where It’s Used
The neutral, professional term preferred over informal words like 'cop' or 'policeman'.