Definition

Noun: A person who exercises authority over civilian affairs. This term refers to an official who holds a position of public trust and administrative responsibility within a government's civil structure, as opposed to a military or religious office.

Usage

A "civil officer" is a formal term for a government official whose duties pertain to the administration of civil law, public services, or civic governance. It emphasizes the civilian, non-military nature of the authority.

Examples

• The civil officer was responsible for issuing marriage licenses and recording property deeds.
• During the ceremony, a civil officer administered the oath of citizenship to the new immigrants.
• The mayor, as the chief civil officer of the city, presided over the council meeting.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in legal and historical contexts to distinguish civilian government roles from military commissions.
• It often implies a specific, legally defined office with prescribed duties, such as a notary public, clerk, or magistrate.

Variants and Related Words

• Civil servant: A broader term for a person employed in the public sector by a government department or agency.
• Public official: A general term for anyone holding a position of authority in a governmental body.

Synonyms

• Public official
• Government official
• Civil servant
• Magistrate (in specific contexts)
• Administrator

Antonyms

• Military officer
• Private citizen

Related Phrases

• To hold civil office: To occupy a position as a civil officer.
  • After the election, she began to hold civil office as the county commissioner.
• Civil authority: The collective power or institutions of civilian government, often embodied by its officers.
  • The police acted under the direction of the local civil authority.

Noun

1. a person who exercises authority over civilian affairs