Dictionary
English - French
Police
pəˈlis
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
police, policier (officer), police (as a verb - to police), police (as a collective term)
Police meanings in French
police
Example:
The police are investigating the crime.
La police enquête sur le crime.
I called the police after hearing the gunshots.
J'ai appelé la police après avoir entendu les coups de feu.
Usage: formalContext: Used to refer to the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing laws.
Note: In French, 'la police' is a feminine noun. The term is often used in formal contexts such as news reports, legal discussions, and official statements.
policier (officer)
Example:
The police officer helped me find my way.
Le policier m'a aidé à trouver mon chemin.
She wants to become a police officer when she grows up.
Elle veut devenir policière quand elle sera grande.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to refer to an individual member of the police force.
Note: The term 'policier' is masculine, while 'policière' is the feminine form. It's common in both casual and formal conversations.
police (as a verb - to police)
Example:
The neighborhood watch will police the area during the night.
La vigilance de quartier va surveiller la zone pendant la nuit.
They need to police the internet for illegal activities.
Ils doivent surveiller Internet pour des activités illégales.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to describe the action of monitoring or enforcing rules.
Note: While less common than the noun form, 'policer' can be used in various contexts, especially in discussions about security and regulations.
police (as a collective term)
Example:
The police are here to ensure our safety.
La police est ici pour garantir notre sécurité.
The police will provide assistance during the event.
La police fournira de l'aide pendant l'événement.
Usage: formalContext: Refers to the police force as a whole, often in discussions about community safety.
Note: This is often used in formal contexts such as public speeches or governmental communication.
Police's synonyms
constabulary
Constabulary is a term used to refer to a body of police officers or a police force in a particular district or region.
Example: The constabulary conducted a thorough investigation into the case.
Note: Constabulary is a more formal or archaic term for a police force, often used in British English or in historical contexts.
cops
Cops is an informal term for police officers or a police force.
Example: The cops apprehended the suspect after a high-speed chase.
Note: Cops is a colloquial or slang term for police, often used in informal conversations or in media.
law enforcement officers
Law enforcement officers are individuals who are authorized to enforce laws, maintain public order, and protect people and property.
Example: Law enforcement officers are trained to handle a variety of situations.
Note: This term is a more formal and specific way to refer to individuals who are part of law enforcement agencies, including police officers.
Police expressions, common phrases
Cop
A colloquial term for a police officer.
Example: The cop arrested the thief.
Note: Informal and often used in spoken language.
Law enforcement
Refers to the system by which laws are enforced and upheld.
Example: Law enforcement agencies work together to maintain public safety.
Note: A broader term encompassing various agencies and methods of maintaining law and order.
Police officer
An official member of a police force who is responsible for enforcing the law.
Example: The police officer helped the lost child find her parents.
Note: The formal and official term for a member of the police force.
On the beat
Refers to the area or route regularly covered by a police officer.
Example: The police officer is on the beat patrolling the neighborhood.
Note: An informal phrase indicating active patrolling or monitoring of an assigned area.
To serve and protect
The core mission of police officers to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
Example: The police force's primary duty is to serve and protect the community.
Note: A motto or guiding principle that encapsulates the role of police in society.
The long arm of the law
Refers to the far-reaching power and authority of law enforcement to apprehend criminals.
Example: The long arm of the law eventually caught up with the criminal.
Note: A figurative expression emphasizing the extensive reach and influence of the legal system.
Police everyday (slang) expressions
5-0
Slang term derived from the TV show 'Hawaii Five-O' which refers to the police or law enforcement.
Example: Watch out, the 5-0 is around the corner!
Note: The term '5-0' is more informal and has a slightly more rebellious or cool connotation compared to 'police'.
Po-po
Informal slang term often used in urban settings to refer to the police.
Example: The po-po busted the party last night.
Note: It is seen as more casual and possibly slightly derogatory compared to 'police'.
Fuzz
An older slang term for the police, originating from the notion that police officers' uniforms are sometimes made of a fuzzy material.
Example: The fuzz are cracking down on drug dealers in the area.
Note: It is a more dated term and may not be as commonly used today as 'police'.
Smokey
Slang term often used by truckers to refer to the police, coming from the use of CB radio lingo.
Example: Be careful on the highway, there's a smokey up ahead.
Note: Primarily used in specific subcultures, 'smokey' may not be familiar to all English speakers.
Bear
Another term used by truckers and some motorists to refer to the police, likening their presence to a bear watching for prey.
Example: Keep an eye out for any bears while you're speeding on the highway.
Note: This is a more whimsical or lighthearted term for the police.
Heat
Slang term that refers to the police or any kind of law enforcement presence, suggesting intense scrutiny or pressure.
Example: We need to lay low until the heat dies down.
Note: While 'heat' can refer specifically to the police in some contexts, it is a broader term that can encompass any kind of heightened observation or attention.
Jacks
An informal term for the police, often used in urban settings or among younger speakers.
Example: The jacks came by to ask about the disturbance.
Note: It is more colloquial and may not be as widely recognized as 'police' in all regions.
Police - Examples
The police are investigating the crime.
La police enquête sur le crime.
I saw two police officers on the street.
J'ai vu deux agents de police dans la rue.
The police station is located in the city center.
Le poste de police est situé dans le centre-ville.
Police grammar
Police - Noun (Noun) / Noun, plural (Noun, plural)
Lemma: police
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): police
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): police
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): policed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): policing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): polices
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): police
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): police
Syllables, Separation and Stress
police Contains 1 syllables: police
Phonetic transcription:
police , (The red syllable is stressed)
Police - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
police: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
...