DPS

American  

abbreviation

1. damage per second: (in a video game)

   1. a calculation of the rate of damage performed by a particular weapon, spell, character, or job class in the period of one second, used as a standard measurement of effectiveness in order to compare the relative effectiveness of one set of equipment or one character build against another.

   2. Also called DPS character.  damage dealer. See DD.

2. Department of Public Safety: a state or local government agency with responsibilities that vary by jurisdiction and can include the coordination of emergency aid services and disaster response, the administration of state police and state correctional facilities, the promotion of highway safety and environmental safety, etc.

3. DoctorDoctorate of Public Service: an honorary degree recognizing a person’s outstanding contributions to the community.

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Example Sentences

In the Texas Panhandle, Potter County elections officials quickly confirmed through DPS that three of nine voters on their list had proof of citizenship on file.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

Despite the DPS being aware that PC Hunter had already targeted another victim in similar circumstances, Lorraine's complaints were ignored.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2025

Many of the flagged registered voters turned out to be naturalized citizens whom the state incorrectly identified as ineligible because it was using outdated DPS data from driver’s license and state identification card applications.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2024

The halftime show telecast will be produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers, and Hamish Hamilton serving as director.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2024

“Oh yeah. A healer and a tank walk into a boss fight with a DPS that doesn’t do damage...”

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows