police

The official group of people whose job is to prevent crime, enforce laws, and keep people safe.

• Call the police!
• The police arrested two men yesterday.
• Did you report the theft to the police?

How to use it: the police + plural verb (The police are looking for the driver.)

Similar words: police force, law enforcement

Common phrases: call the police, police officer, police station, police department

To watch an area or activity and make sure people obey the law.

• Officers police the city center.
• It is difficult to police such a large area.
• Who will police the new traffic rules?

Similar words: patrol, monitor

Common phrases: police an area, police the streets, police the border

To control a group of people so they obey the law and behave peacefully.

• Extra officers policed the crowd.
• Security staff will police the fans outside the stadium.
• The march was difficult to police because so many people attended.

Similar words: control, keep order among

Common phrases: police a crowd, police football fans, police a demonstration

To control people’s behavior or choices by making them follow particular rules or standards.

• Teachers should not police every clothing choice.
• The group polices its members’ language closely.
• Who gets to police other people’s identities?

Similar words: regulate, control, monitor

Common phrases: police someone’s behavior, police someone’s language, police social norms