Word Compound
police officer
compound.
A2 Elementary Oxford
Definition
compound.A person who works for the police. Their job is to make sure people follow the law and to help keep the community safe.
compound.A sworn member of a police force, granted specific legal powers to enforce laws and maintain public order.
Examples
“A police officer directs traffic at the intersection.”
“The police officer took a statement from the witness after the accident.”
“In her testimony, the veteran police officer detailed the complex chain of events leading to the arrest.”
Usage
This is a gender-neutral term, often preferred over 'policeman' or 'policewoman'.
Teaching tip
Note the compound noun stress pattern: the primary stress falls on 'POlice', not 'officer'.
Pitfall
I asked a police for directions.I asked a police officer for directions.
'Police' refers to the entire force or a group; an individual member is a 'police officer'.
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Updated