Cops
/kɑːps/
Definitions
2 meaningsInformal plural for police officers.
/kɑːps/
Informal term for police officers.
The cops were called to the bank after the alarm went off.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of people who wear uniforms and help keep everyone safe. These are often called cops! For example, if someone is speeding, the cops might pull them over.
👶 For kids: People who wear uniforms and help keep us safe.
More Examples
He ran from the cops after stealing a car.
How It's Used
"The cops arrived at the scene quickly."
"Cops are investigating the robbery."
To apprehend, catch, or arrest someone (informal).
/kɑːps/
To arrest or apprehend (informal).
The police copped the suspect during a high-speed chase.
💡 Simply: When you 'cop' someone, you're catching or arresting them, especially if they've done something wrong. Like, if someone is trying to run from the police, but the police catch them—they've 'copped' them.
👶 For kids: To catch someone doing something they shouldn't.
More Examples
She was copped shoplifting.
How It's Used
"The thief was copped by the security guards."
"He was copping a feel."
Idioms & expressions
cop out
To avoid doing something difficult or unpleasant.
"He coped out of the exam because he wasn't prepared."
cop a plea
To plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid a more serious one.
"He copped a plea to a lesser charge to avoid a lengthy jail sentence."
copper
A slang term for police officer, similar to 'cop'.
"The coppers were called to the scene of the crime."
A shortened, informal form of "police officers," originating in the late 19th century, likely from the practice of police wearing copper badges or buttons.
The term "cop" or "cops" has been in use since the late 19th century, evolving from the slang term for police officers. The use of "copper" as a slang term for police is older.
Memory tip
Think of a group of "copper" badges representing the police.