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

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.
According to Deadline Hollywood, Mandi will play Naomi Kerr, a former solider and military contractor who joins the ranks of the Chicago police force. Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 23 July 2025 The British police force that began investigating the Irish rap group Kneecap after their Glastonbury Festival performance last month has backed down, per the BBC. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2025 Hankison was fired from the police force in June 2020. Sean Neumann, People.com, 17 July 2025 Though her commitment to justice is front and center, having been burned previously, the detective is under no illusion about the rot within the police force. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Police force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/police%20force. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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