special agent

noun

1. an investigator in a law enforcement agency.

2. an insurance sales representative.

Word History and Origins

Origin of special agent¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Clark, who is now the special agent in charge of the Los Angeles field office, did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In September, the Department of Homeland Security issued a new directive that will allow the agency — which administers and oversees immigration applications — to enforce immigration law with “special agents.”

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"This network had the power to disable cell phone towers and essentially shut down the cellular network in New York City," said special agent in charge Matt McCool.

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In the end, 22 members of the Sheriff’s Department were convicted as a result of the probe initiated by special agent Leah Marx.

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The suspected murder weapon, a high-powered bolt-action rifle, was recovered in a wooded area near a parking lot, said Robert Bohls, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City office.

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