police force

noun

Synonyms of police forcenext
: a body of trained officers entrusted by a government with maintenance of public peace and order, enforcement of laws, and prevention and detection of crime

Synonyms of police force

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Examples of police force in a Sentence

He joined the local police force. mobilized practically the entire police force to track down the escaped criminal
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Waukegan has been long overdue for a new headquarters for its police force. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Students have promised deep institutional changes that would make the struggle possible — overhaul of the police force and the judiciary to make sure officers and prosecutors with impeccable careers forge forward. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 The police force has been heavily infiltrated by the far-right National Rally party. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026 This sense of a turning point imbues individual actions with a larger purpose and drives protesters to confront a police force intent on clearing the streets by whatever means necessary. — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for police force

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of police force was in 1820

Rhymes for police force

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Browse Nearby Words

policedom
police force
police inspector
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Cite this Entry

“Police force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/police%20force. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

police force

noun
: a body of officers trained and entrusted by a government to keep public peace, enforce laws, and prevent and detect crime

Legal Definition

police force

noun
: a body of trained officers entrusted by a government with maintenance of public peace and order, enforcement of laws, and prevention and detection of crime
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