secret service
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A government agency responsible for intelligence and protective security: Specifically, the United States Secret Service (USSS) is a federal law enforcement agency with two primary missions: protecting national leaders (such as the President) and investigating financial crimes (like counterfeiting). 2. (historical/general) Covert government operations: In a broader, often historical context, "secret service" can refer to any government department or unit engaged in intelligence, espionage, or covert activities.
Usage Examples
- Noun (referring to the U.S. agency):
- The Secret Service agents formed a protective perimeter around the visiting dignitary.
- Before joining the President's detail, she worked for the Secret Service investigating cyber fraud.
- Noun (in a general/historical sense):
- The novel's plot involves a spy working for the king's secret service.
Advanced Usage
- "Secret Service" as a proper noun: When capitalized, it almost exclusively refers to the United States Secret Service. It is often preceded by "the" and "U.S."
- He had a long career with the U.S. Secret Service.
Variants and Related Words
- Secret serviceman / Secret servicewoman (n): A dated or informal term for an agent of the Secret Service.
- The secret serviceman was discreet but always alert.
Synonyms
- Protective service: Emphasizes the guard and protection role.
- Security detail: Specifically refers to the team assigned to protect a person.
- Intelligence agency: Emphasizes the information-gathering role (more general).
Related Phrases
- Secret Service agent (n): The standard term for an officer or employee of the U.S. Secret Service.
- A Secret Service agent checked his credentials.
- Secret Service protection (n): The act or system of being guarded by the Secret Service.
- The candidate was placed under Secret Service protection.
Noun
- the United States intelligence agency that protects current and former presidents and vice presidents and their immediate families and protects distinguished foreign visitors; detects and apprehends counterfeiters; suppresses forgery of government securities and documents