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; see origin at drag, net ¹, dray

Explanation

If you suddenly start noticing police officers around every corner, you might be watching a dragnet in progress. A dragnet is a coordinated attempt to catch a criminal. Dragnet originally referred to a kind of net for catching fish. It can now also indicate a less literal type of net: one that catches crooks. Police may use a dragnet if they know a wanted criminal is in a certain neighborhood. When cops set up a dragnet, they may call in extra officers, fence off areas from civilians, and arm themselves heavily. This word became famous because of the TV show Dragnet, which featured Sergeant Joe Friday.

Example Sentences

The U.S. has greatly expanded its domestic surveillance system, using a high-tech dragnet to locate, track and deport people residing illegally in the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Many caught in the dragnet were later declared innocent.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

But in recent years the dragnet has become increasingly elastic.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

How the Wayback Machine got caught in a dragnet.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

The resulting “interviews” of passengers in these dragnet operations usually culminate in a request for “consent” to search the passenger’s luggage.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander