station-house

A police officer walks into the station-house at the start of his shift.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A building used as a police station: "station-house" refers to a building that serves as the headquarters or local office for a police force, where officers report for duty, suspects are processed, and administrative tasks are carried out.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The suspect was taken to the station-house for questioning. (The person was brought to the local police building.)
  • The old station-house has been converted into a community centre. (The former police building now serves the public in a different way.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be hauled into the station-house": to be forcibly brought to a police station, often for legal processing.

  • After the protest, several people were hauled into the station-house. (They were taken to the police building against their will.)

• "station-house arrest": a form of confinement within a police station, similar to house arrest but in a police facility.

  • The judge ordered station-house arrest for the minor offender. (The person was required to remain inside the police building as a punishment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Station (n): a regular stopping place, such as for trains or buses, or a place where a particular service is based (e.g., police station, fire station).

  • The train station is two blocks away. (The building where trains stop.)

• House (n): a building for human habitation or a specific purpose.

  • She lives in a small house on the corner. (A dwelling.)

Synonyms

• Police station: the official building where police work.
• Precinct: a district or division of a city served by a specific police station.
• Cop shop (informal): a slang term for a police station.

Related Idioms

• "to be brought to the station-house": to be arrested or taken to a police station.

  • The thief was brought to the station-house for booking. (The arrested person was processed at the police building.)

• "station-house lawyer": a person (often a detainee) who offers legal advice or argues about legal matters while in police custody.

  • He acted like a station-house lawyer, telling everyone their rights. (He offered legal opinions while being held at the police station.)