dragnet

American  

[drag-net] / ˈdrægˌnɛt /

noun

1. a net to be drawn along the bottom of a river, pond, etc., or along the ground, to catch fish, small game, etc.

2. a system or network for finding or catching someone, as a criminal wanted by the police.

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dragnet British  

/ ˈdræɡˌnɛt /

noun

1. a heavy or weighted net used to scour the bottom of a pond, river, etc, as when searching for something

2. any system of coordinated efforts by police forces to track down wanted persons

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Etymology

Origin of dragnet

Middle English word dating back to 1535–45; drag, net ¹, dray

Example Sentences

To many Americans, the viral image of a child swept up in an enforcement dragnet is horrifying.

From Salon

At least two American citizens were caught up in the dragnet — a security guard headed to work at Glass House and a philosophy professor at Cal State Channel Islands who was protesting the raid.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s hard for them to imagine how a dragnet of that size could pause to consider the merits of individual cases.

From Los Angeles Times

A statewide dragnet for organizers from the Industrial Workers of the World, or Wobblies, ensued, followed by hundreds of arrests.

From Los Angeles Times

The dragnet has also ensnared hundreds of P.T.I. supporters who have been detained.

From New York Times