police action

noun

1. a relatively localized military action undertaken by regular armed forces, without a formal declaration of war, against guerrillas, insurgents, or other forces held to be violating international peace and order.

Word History and Origins

Origin of police action¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

According to an analysis by the L.A Times, police actions related to these protests cost $11.9 million in settlements and jury awards.

From Los Angeles Times

So far, the department has opened investigations into three incidents in which people injured by police actions required hospitalization.

From Los Angeles Times

Also, police actions related to those protests cost the city at least $11.9 million in settlements and jury awards, according to The Times’ analysis in May.

From Los Angeles Times

The police actions have drawn angry condemnation from public officials and 1st Amendment advocates.

From Los Angeles Times

It is clear he is not put off by the police action.

From BBC

Related Words

• intervention 
• military action www.thesaurus.com