ATF
n. uncountablen. Stands for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A government group in the United States that makes sure people follow laws about these items.
n. Abbreviation for Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A federal law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice responsible for investigating and preventing federal offences involving firearms, explosives, and the illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products.
The ATF agents arrived to inspect the local gun shop.
Following the discovery of illegal weapons, the local police department coordinated with the ATF to trace the serial numbers.
The ATF maintains jurisdiction over the enforcement of federal regulations concerning the interstate commerce of restricted substances and the licensing of firearms dealers across the country.
Usually functions as a proper noun referring to the specific U.S. agency; typically used with the definite article 'the'.