gendarme
/'ʤỴ:ndɑ:m/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A French policeman: A member of the French national police force, particularly one belonging to a military-style unit responsible for maintaining public order and law enforcement, often in rural areas.
Usage
- The word "gendarme" specifically refers to a police officer in France or other French-speaking countries (like Belgium or Switzerland) where similar forces exist. It is not a general term for any police officer.
- It is a countable noun.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "the Gendarmerie": (capitalized) Refers to the entire national institution or force of gendarmes.
- He served his career in the Gendarmerie.
Variants and Related Words
- Gendarmerie (noun): The collective body or institution of gendarmes; the French national police force with military status.
- Gendarmery (noun): An alternative, less common term for Gendarmerie.
Synonyms
- Police officer (general term)
- Constable (in some contexts, but not specific to France)
- Officer of the law (general term)
Notes on Meaning
- The core meaning is specifically tied to France and its police system. While "policeman" is a close synonym, it lacks the specific national and institutional connotation of "gendarme."
- The word is of French origin, from meaning "men-at-arms."
Noun
- a French policeman