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עברית
המשטרה — meaning in English: the police
hamishtara · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
the police
צודק
tzodek
אפשר
efshar
המשטרה
hamishtara
הוא
hu
הבחורה
habachura
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neutral
very common
Usage
In everyday conversations, native Hebrew speakers might refer to 'המשטרה' when discussing safety and security issues, such as reporting a crime or calling for assistance. You might hear this word commonly in news reports or when discussing local community matters, especially during public events or protests where police presence is notable.
Synonyms & nuances
'המשטרה' specifically refers to the police force as an official entity, while terms like 'שומרים' (shomrim) can refer to security guards or informal watchdogs. Use 'המשטרה' when you want to emphasize the authority and formal duties of the police rather than general security roles.
Culture
The word 'המשטרה' has its roots in the Hebrew verb 'לשמור' (lishmor), meaning 'to guard' or 'to keep.' This reflects the police's role in maintaining public safety and order. Historically, the establishment of police forces in Israel has been shaped by the country's unique societal challenges, making 'המשטרה' not just a term for law enforcement but also a symbol of community vigilance.
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