Etymology

Noun

1. An organisation granted the legal authority to enforce the law. See usage note.
   • Call the police!
   • The police operating in New York City operate under the New York City Police Department, several other City agencies and boards, and several public authorities.
2. Members of the police force.
   • Three police arrived in two cars.
   • The policewoman arrived in her car.
3. (plural=police) A police officer
   • 
     

     Usage notes

     • Formerly a singular noun, police (#1) is now almost always used as a collective noun with a plural verb, as in "Run, the police are coming!"
     
     

     Synonyms

     • the cobblers
     • the fuzz
     • pigs
     • 5-0
     • popo
     • the heat
     • filth
     • cops/coppers
     • bobbies
     • peelers
     • woodentops (UK - referring to uniformed officers)
     • 6-up
     
     

     Related terms

     • policy
     • political
     • politician
     • politicize
     • politic
     • politics
     • polity
     
     

     Verb

     
     
     
     1. To enforce the law and keep order among (a group).

        Extra security was hired to police the crowd at the big game.

     2. To patrol or clean an area.
        • 2006, Robert B. Parker, Hundred-Dollar Baby, Putnam, ISBN 0399153764, page 275,

          "Fire off several rounds in a residential building and stop to police the brass?"