law enforcement officer

American  

[law en-fawrs-muhnt aw-fuh-ser, of-uh-ser] / ˈlɔ ɛnˌfɔrs mənt ˌɔ fə sər, ˌɒf ə sər /

noun

1. a government employee whose main duties involve preventing, detecting, or punishing violations of the law; police officers, state troopers, sheriffs, rangers, etc., when considered collectively. LEO

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Etymology

Origin of law enforcement officer

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

I think they’re waiting for something that they can pitch plausibly as a completely unprovoked act of violence, or interference by a local or state law enforcement officer.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2026

In either case, constitutional standards for use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer will be the measure of his actions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026

One law enforcement officer suffered minor injuries but did not need any medical attention, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

The case against Adrian Gonzales is a rare example of an attempt to hold a law enforcement officer accountable for their actions during a mass shooting.

From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026

The tall man was the Texas Attorney General, the chief law enforcement officer for the state.

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar