officer
n. · v.-
1 police or law enforcement (n.) A2 Elementarya member of the police force.
a member of a police force or similar law enforcement agency.
ExampleThe officer asked to see the driver's license after the car stopped.
ExampleThe police officer remained calm while questioning the witnesses to ensure the accuracy of the initial incident report.
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2 military commander (n.) B1 Intermediate Sporta person who has a high rank and commands others in the army, navy, or air force.
a person holding a commission in the armed forces, typically in a position of command over lower-ranking personnel.
ExampleThe young officer led his troops across the field during the exercise.
ExampleAfter years of distinguished service, she was promoted to the rank of senior officer within the naval intelligence division.
- soldier
- enlisted person
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3 corporate or organization leader (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Formala person in a high position in a large organization or company.
a person who holds a senior administrative or executive position in a corporation, society, or government body.
ExampleThe chief financial officer explained the company's new budget to the staff.
ExampleThe presiding officer of the committee called for a formal vote on the proposed amendments to the bylaws.
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4 to provide with leaders (v.) C2 Proficiency Formal Technicalto provide a group or organization with officers to lead them.
to supply a military unit or organization with officers; to command in the manner of an officer.
ExampleThe new regiment was officered by experienced men from the capital.
ExampleThe expedition was poorly officered, leading to a breakdown in discipline once the supplies began to dwindle in the winter months.
From Middle English officer, from Anglo-Norman officer, officier, from Old French officer, Late Latin officiarius (“official”), from Latin officium (“office”) + -ārius (“-er”). By surface analysis, office + -er.