patrolman
/pə'troulmæn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A police officer assigned to a specific area for regular surveillance and protection: A "patrolman" is a law enforcement officer whose primary duty is to maintain a visible presence and monitor a designated region, such as a neighborhood or beat, to prevent crime and ensure public safety.
Usage
- The term "patrolman" is used to specify the officer's function of patrolling. It is a specific job title or role within a police department.
- It is often used in American English contexts. While the role exists universally, the specific title may vary by region or department.
Examples
- Noun:
- The patrolman walked his beat every night, checking the doors of local businesses.
- A patrolman in a car reported the accident to the dispatch center.
- After the parade, the patrolman directed traffic to clear the streets.
Advanced Usage
- "On patrol": This phrase describes the state of performing patrol duties. While it uses "patrol," it is a common collocation for the role of a patrolman.
- The patrolman was on patrol when he noticed the broken window.
Variants and Related Words
- Patrol (verb/noun): The core action or activity. As a verb: to monitor an area. As a noun: the act of monitoring or the group doing it.
- Verb: Officers patrol the park. Noun: The night patrol reported all was quiet.
- Patrolwoman (noun): The female equivalent of "patrolman."
- Police officer / Officer (noun): General terms that include patrolmen and other ranks.
- Beat cop (noun, informal): A colloquial term for a patrolman assigned to a specific, regular route (a "beat").
Synonyms
- Police officer: A general term for a member of a police force.
- Constable: A term for a police officer, used in some countries and regions.
- Lawman: An informal term, often used in historical or Western contexts.
Related Phrases
- Walking a beat: The specific action of a patrolman monitoring an area on foot.
- The veteran patrolman preferred walking a beat to driving a squad car.
- On the beat: Similar to "on patrol," describing being actively engaged in patrolling a specific area.
- You'll find Officer Miller on the beat downtown.
Noun
- a policeman who patrols a given region