World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesPolice state
/pəˈliːs steɪt/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A political system characterized by repressive control of the population, often enforced by the police.
"In a police-state, citizens may face surveillance and restrictions on their freedoms." - 2
A government that maintains strict control over its citizens, often using intimidation and coercion.
"The regime was criticized for turning the country into a police-state, where dissent was not tolerated."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The term combines 'police', derived from the Ancient Greek politeia (citizenship, government) via French and Latin, and 'state', from Latin status (condition, standing). Emerging in the 20th century, the phrase originally described totalitarian regimes characterized by strict governmental control over the political, economic, and social life of the populace, heavily enforced by an oppressive police force.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Police state"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Police state" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
État policier
Transliteration: etɑ poli.sje
"Un État policier utilise la force pour contrôler la population."
Polizeistaat
Transliteration: po.liˈtsaɪ̯ʃtaːt
"In einem Polizeistaat sind die Bürger oft überwacht."
Stato di polizia
Transliteration: ˈstato di po.liˈtsi.a
"Uno stato di polizia reprime le libertà civili."
Estado policial
Transliteration: esˈtaðo poliθjal
"Un estado policial controla a sus ciudadanos mediante la represión."
Estado policial
Transliteration: isˈtadu poliˈzjɐl
"Um estado policial utiliza a força para manter o controle."
पुलिस राज्य
Transliteration: pulis rājya
"एक पुलिस राज्य में नागरिकों की स्वतंत्रता सीमित होती है।"
警察国家
Transliteration: jǐngchá guójiā
"在警察国家，公民的自由受到限制。"
경찰 국가
Transliteration: gyeongchal gukga
"경찰 국가에서는 시민의 자유가 제한된다."
警察国家
Transliteration: keisatsu kokka
"警察国家では市民の自由が制限されます。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsTo question someone thoroughly about a completed mission, project, or undertaking.
A document or electronic record issued by a carrier or shipping company confirming that goods have been received and dispatched for transport to a specified destination.
Apt to shoot without sufficient provocation or before fully assessing a situation.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Police state"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.