law and order

noun

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

law-and-order

noun

1. modifier favouring or advocating strong measures to suppress crime and violence

   a law-and-order candidate

Word History and Origins

Origin of law and order¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

The government is split between libertarians and the law-and-order Conservatives.

From The Daily Beast

Indeed, law-and-order authorities found themselves with little to do.

From The Daily Beast

In recent weeks Libyan officials, when faced by law-and-order challenges, have reflexively blamed former Gaddafi officials.

From The Daily Beast

Blanchard attributes the incarceration rate to a law-and-order mentality that criminalizing something prevents it from happening.

From The Daily Beast

And Republican primary voters are notoriously law-and-order fanatics.

From The 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.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a constant topic of conversation among the recognized law-and-order men and all of us agreed the thieves must be checked.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't blame Weary; he's looking out for the law-and-order business—and that's all right.

From Project Gutenberg

Goodrich brought news that the law-and-order party were preparing an expedition to Charleston to round up Curly Bill.

From Project Gutenberg

The best men in early Montana were among the Vigilantes—all the law-and-order men were.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• calm
• calmness
• coolness
• equanimity
• serenity
• stillness