cop

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To capture or arrest someone.

Register: dated, informal

Where it’s used: Used American English
Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To obtain, to purchase (items including but not limited to drugs), to get hold of, to take.

Register: informal

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To (be forced to) take; to receive; to shoulder; to bear, especially blame or punishment for a particular instance of wrongdoing.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “cop” mean?

To capture or arrest someone.

Is “cop” formal or informal?

cop is generally dated, informal.