Gestapo

American  

[guh-stah-poh, guh-shtah-poh] / gəˈstɑ poʊ, gəˈʃtɑ poʊ /

noun

1. the German state secret police during the Nazi regime, organized in 1933 and notorious for its brutal methods and operations.

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adjective

1. (sometimes lowercase) of or resembling the Nazi Gestapo, especially in the brutal suppression of opposition.

   The new regime is using gestapo tactics.

Gestapo British  

/ ɡɛˈstɑːpəʊ, ɡeˈʃtaːpo /

noun

1. the secret state police in Nazi Germany, noted for its brutal methods of interrogation

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Gestapo Cultural  

1. The secret police of the Third Reich in Germany. The Gestapo operated against Germans suspected of treason by using brutal interrogation and torture; they instilled widespread fear by their terrorist methods.

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Discover More

Figuratively, any brutal secret police organization may be called a “gestapo.”

“Gestapo tactics” in general are intimidating official procedures.

Etymology

Origin of Gestapo

< German Ge ( heime ) Sta ( ats ) po ( lizei )

Example Sentences

Does anyone think it would have been a good idea to keep an allegedly “reformed” Gestapo in place as a postwar law enforcement agency?

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

The Soviets handed her over to the Gestapo at the beginning of World War II, and she describes coming to the Nazi camp system and being issued clothes and utensils to eat with.

From Slate • Feb. 17, 2026

Reckzeh had been set up as a spy and agent provocateur by the Gestapo: Thadden had been fooled by his elaborately constructed cover story.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

Among the evidence Antony's investigation has unearthed is a list made by the Gestapo, detailing specific artefacts and paintings which were seized from his relatives.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025

As I think about it now, I realize the Gestapo officer could have lied to me and I would not have known, but for some reason he didn't.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson