law and order

Save This Word!

See synonyms for law and order on Thesaurus.com

noun

strict control of crime and repression of violence, sometimes involving the possible restriction of civil rights.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of law and order

First recorded in 1590–1600

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use law and order in a sentence

The government is split between libertarians and the law-and-order Conservatives.
Inspectors Uncover UK Schools Pushing Radical Islamic Agendas|Nico Hines|June 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Indeed, law-and-order authorities found themselves with little to do.
What Haiti Can Teach Us About the Storm|Jonathan M. Katz|October 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
In recent weeks Libyan officials, when faced by law-and-order challenges, have reflexively blamed former Gaddafi officials.
After Death of Christopher Stevens, Libyan President Offers Condolences|Jamie Dettmer|September 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Blanchard attributes the incarceration rate to a law-and-order mentality that criminalizing something prevents it from happening.
'Mothers of Bedford': New Documentary on Mothers in Prison|Nina Strochlic|November 13, 2011|DAILY BEAST

And Republican primary voters are notoriously law-and-order fanatics.
The GOP Frontrunner Curse|Mark McKinnon|December 2, 2009|DAILY BEAST
He was a good-looking kid; only he was like all them tenderfoots—he didn't know a law-and-order town when he saw it.
Sixes and Sevens|O. Henry
It was a constant topic of conversation among the recognized law-and-order men and all of us agreed the thieves must be checked.
Roosevelt in the Bad Lands|H. Hagedorn.
I don't blame Weary; he's looking out for the law-and-order business—and that's all right.
Flying U Ranch|B. M. Bower
Goodrich brought news that the law-and-order party were preparing an expedition to Charleston to round up Curly Bill.
When the West Was Young|Frederick R. Bechdolt
The best men in early Montana were among the Vigilantes—all the law-and-order men were.
The Young Alaskans on the Missouri|Emerson Hough

British Dictionary definitions for law and order

law-and-order

noun

(modifier) favouring or advocating strong measures to suppress crime and violencea law-and-order candidate

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with law and order

law and order

Strict enforcement of laws, especially for controlling crime. For example, Our candidate is always talking about law and order. The concept behind this term was stated by Aristotle. Today, however, it also carries the implication of infringing on civil rights in the course of too arduous law enforcement. [Late 1500s]

law and order

Origin of law and order

Words related to law and order

How to use law and order in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for law and order

Other Idioms and Phrases with law and order