secret service

American  

noun

1. the branch of governmental service that conducts secret investigations, especially investigations into the military strength of other nations.

2. (initial capital letters) the branch of the U.S. Department of the Treasury charged chiefly with the discovery and apprehension of counterfeiters and with providing protection for the president and the president's immediate family.

3. secret work for a government, especially espionage.

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secret service ¹ British  

noun

1. a government agency or department that conducts intelligence or counterintelligence operations

2. such operations

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Secret Service ² British  

noun

1. a US government agency responsible for the protection of the president, the suppression of counterfeiting, and certain other police activities

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Secret Service Cultural  

1. A division of the United States Department of the Treasury, responsible for apprehending counterfeiters; investigating a variety of federal crimes; and protecting presidents and their families, presidential candidates, and foreign dignitaries visiting the United States.

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Other Word Forms

• secret-service adjective

Etymology

Origin of secret service

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy.

From Los Angeles Times

When a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and two Secret Service agents went to investigate, they ordered him to drop the items, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric L. Bradshaw said during a news conference Sunday morning.

From Los Angeles Times

Rafael Barrows, special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Miami field office, said no law enforcement agents were harmed in the incident.

From Los Angeles Times

The Secret Service said in a statement that it’s looking into the deceased man’s background and motive.

From Los Angeles Times

FBI Director Kash Patel said in a short statement that the agency is dedicating “all necessary resources” to the investigation and will continue working closely with the Secret Service and state and federal partners.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• secret police