police

/pəˈlis/
verb
  1. To control or maintain order in an area using police or similar authority.
    • Security guards police the mall to keep shoppers safe.
    • It is the duty of the sheriff to police the county.
    • The government sent troops to police the border.
  2. To regulate or monitor a particular activity or behavior to ensure rules are followed.
    • The committee polices the use of company funds.
    • Teachers police the hallways between classes.
    • Social media platforms are trying to police false information.
noun
  1. An official organization whose job is to maintain public order, enforce laws, and prevent or investigate crime.
    • The police are investigating the theft that happened last night.
    • The police arrived quickly after the accident was reported.
    • She decided to join the police to help her community.
  2. Members of a police force; officers.
    • Two police were standing at the entrance of the building.
    • The police asked everyone to stay calm and move away from the area.
    • Local police often patrol the neighborhood on bicycles.
What does "police" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean