Definition

Proper noun A specific United States federal law enforcement agency within the Department of the Treasury (historically). Its responsibilities included enforcing federal laws related to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and arson, as well as collecting associated taxes.

Usage

This term is used as the official name of a specific government organization. It functions as a singular proper noun. * The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms investigated the illegal firearms trafficking operation. * Regulations were enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms.

Advanced Usage

• The agency is commonly referred to by its initials: ATF.
  • The ATF agent examined the evidence at the scene.
• In 2003, its functions were transferred to the Department of Justice under the new name Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), though the original name remains in historical and legal contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• ATF: The standard acronym for the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms.
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): The current official name of the agency since its reorganization in 2003.
• Treasury Department: The cabinet department the agency was originally part of.
• Law enforcement agency: The general category for organizations like the ATF.

Synonyms

• ATF (acronym)
• Treasury law enforcement agency (historical, descriptive)

Notes

This is a fixed, official name for a government bureau. While it contains common nouns ("bureau," "alcohol," etc.), the full phrase is treated as a single proper noun referring to one specific entity.

Noun

1. the law enforcement and tax collection agency of the Treasury Department that enforces federal laws concerning alcohol and tobacco products and firearms and explosives and arson