police - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
police Word Meanings
- a government department that is responsible for maintaining public order and safety
- the officers of this department
- to control or supervise an area for safety
police Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
police Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/pəˈliːs/
US
/pəˈlis/
police Word Etymology
Police: ‘police’ comes from the Greek ‘politeia’ (citizenship, government) via Latin ‘politia’ and Old French ‘police’. Imagine a guardian unit in a city, maintaining order for all citizens.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I step onto the sidewalk, shoulders squared and breath even. A line of police officers stands at the corner, their presence turning the street into a careful rhythm. I shift my path, weaving between strangers, push and pull through the crowd, and keep my pace steady. As I move, I feel the order settle around me, and I let that sense guide where I place my feet.
Real Context
Police refers to a government department charged with maintaining public order and safety, and to the officers who work for that department. It can describe the institution as a whole (the police), the people who enforce laws (police officers), or the act of supervising or regulating a place to keep it safe (to police an area). The verb to police means to monitor, enforce rules, or respond to incidents within a jurisdiction. In many countries the police operate under legal frameworks, with duties that include crime prevention, investigation, and community safety. Public trust and accountability are common topics of debate, as power and civil liberties are weighed against security.
Usage Reminders
- Use police with care; it often refers to a collective institution. The police are plural in form but treated as a single entity in some contexts. You can say 'the police are' or 'the police officer is' depending on focus. The verb 'to police' is formal and means to monitor and regulate. Do not confuse with 'polish' (to shine). Consider context: emergency, investigation, or law enforcement.
Common Misconceptions
- The police and police officers are always the same thing; police is an institution, officers are people.
- The police can be described with a singular verb in all cases (the police is...).
- To police is a common everyday verb in casual conversation.
- Police equals security guards or private security.
- Policemen and police are never gendered terms.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: English users frequently treat 'the police' as a plural entity and discuss accountability and rights as part of everyday discourse.
Learning Tips
- Learn the plural nature of the noun 'police' and remember it is often treated as a collective entity.
- Distinguish police (organization) from police officers (people).
- Know the verb form 'to police' and use it for regulation, not casual talk.
- Do not confuse with 'polish' (to make clean or shiny).
- Use 'the police are' for general references and 'the police officer is' for specific individuals.
- Practice with real-world contexts like crime reports or news stories.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'police' mean?
A.Law enforcement
B.Plant
C.Tiger
D.Rain
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'police' correctly?
A.I went to the store to buy some police.
B.The dog barked loudly at the police.
C.The police officer helped me cross the street.
D.She painted a beautiful police.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'police'?
A.Sheriff
B.Doctor
C.Firefighter
D.Chef
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'police'?
A.Criminal
B.Yield
C.Teacher
D.Judge
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for the word 'police'?
A.The traffic was regulated by the crossing guard.
B.The police officer assisted in solving the crime case.
C.The firefighter rescued the cat from the tree.
D.Paramedics arrived quickly at the scene.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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