police
word
/pəˈɫis/
puh-LEES
/pəlˈiːs/
puh-LEES
Definition
The organization of people who are trained to maintain law and order, prevent crime, and protect citizens.
Usage & Nuances
Usually refers to the official government forces. Common phrases: 'police officer', 'call the police', 'police station'. Used in formal and informal contexts. Not usually pluralized as 'polices'.
Spanish: policíaPortuguese (BR): políciaPortuguese (PT): políciaChinese (Simplified): 警察Chinese (Traditional): 警察Hindi: पुलिसArabic: الشرطةBengali: পুলিশRussian: полицияJapanese: 警察Vietnamese: cảnh sátKorean: 경찰Turkish: polisUrdu: پولیسIndonesian: polisi
Example Sentences
The police station is near the supermarket.
basic
The police arrived quickly after the accident.
basic
You should call the police if you see a crime.
basic
I heard the police sirens as they chased the thief down the street.
natural
The police officer asked me some questions about what I saw last night.
natural
When there is trouble, the police always try to help.
natural