cop — a police officer
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a police officer
Pronunciation (IPA): /kɑːp/
Example Sentences
- My dad always wanted to be a cop, but he became a donut shop owner instead.
- The rookie cop was so nervous he forgot to read the suspect his rights.
- Don't cop an attitude with me just because you're having a bad day!
cop
NOUN[/kɑːp/]
a police officer
A friendly cop helps a lost child find her parents at the busy fair.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term 'cop' emerged in mid-19th century English slang, deriving from 'copper,' which referred to police officers. Two competing etymologies exist: one suggests the name arose from the copper badges or buttons worn by officers, while another proposes it as a shortened form of the verb 'capture,' alluding to the police function of apprehending criminals.
Breakdown
copper (metal badge worn by officers) → cop (abbreviated slang form). Alternatively, cap- (from 'capture,' meaning to seize) + shortened suffix → cop (one who captures).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My dad always wanted to be a cop, but he became a donut shop owner instead.”
“The rookie cop was so nervous he forgot to read the suspect his rights.”
“Don't cop an attitude with me just because you're having a bad day!”
“He tried to cop a peek at the test answers when the teacher wasn't looking.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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