a person in a position of authority in a government department or organization, who is responsible for making sure that the laws, rules, etc. are obeyed, a member of the armed forces who holds a position of authority, a police officer

gentleman officer, officer and a gentleman, officer of the deck

police officer, officer class, officer of the law

Formal and Informal Expressions of officer

In different contexts, you can replace 'officer' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'official, functionary' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'cop, fuzz' is a commonplace synonym.

officer: Explore its Definition & Usage

officer Definition

1a person in a position of authority in a government department or organization, who is responsible for making sure that the laws, rules, etc. are obeyed
2a member of the armed forces who holds a position of authority
3a police officer

Using officer: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "officer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The officer in charge of the investigation gave a statement to the press.
Example
He was an officer in the US Navy.
Example
The officer pulled over the speeding car and asked for the driver's license and registration.

officer Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for officer

Antonyms for officer

Idioms Using officer

gentleman officer
a man who holds a commission in the British Army and is of a high social class
Example
The gentleman officer was well-respected by his peers.
officer and a gentleman
a phrase used to describe someone who is both a member of the armed forces and has good manners and behavior
Example
He was an officer and a gentleman, always polite and respectful.
officer of the deck
the officer in charge of a ship's bridge
Example
The officer of the deck was responsible for navigating the ship.

Phrases with officer

police officer
a member of a police force
Example
The police officer arrested the suspect.
officer class
the group of officers in a military organization
Example
The officer class was responsible for planning the mission.
officer of the law
a person who is authorized to enforce the law
Example
The officer of the law arrested the criminal.

Origins of officer

from Old French 'oficier', meaning 'an official'

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Summary: officer in Brief

An 'officer' [ˈɒfɪsə(r)] is a person in a position of authority, responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. It can refer to government officials, military personnel, or police officers. Examples include 'The officer in charge of the investigation gave a statement to the press.' and 'He was an officer in the US Navy.' Idioms like 'officer and a gentleman' describe individuals who are members of the armed forces and exhibit good behavior.