law and order

American  

noun

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

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law-and-order British  

noun

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

   a law-and-order candidate

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law and order Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of law and order

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Sustainable gains on law and order are years away at best, despite the heroism of Harfuch’s Untouchables.

From Barron's

The detailed first-hand testimony from all four men also verifies reports of a breakdown of law and order on the Russian front line.

From BBC

On Wednesday, appearing at the White House for a Black History Month reception, the president told us we need law and order.

From Salon

"We are about to begin our journey in a situation marked by a fragile economy left behind by the authoritarian regime, weakened constitutional and statutory institutions, and a deteriorating law and order situation", he added in his victory speech.

From Barron's

Getting a grip on law and order will need to be a key priority for the new government.

From BBC

Related Words

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