cop-killer

See also: cop killer

English

Pronunciation
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Etymology 1

From cop +‎ killer.

Noun

cop-killer (plural cop-killers)

  1. A person who deliberately kills an on-duty police officer.
    • 1974, Peter Maas, “Chapter Thirteen”, in Serpico, Bantam edition, New York: Bantam Books, published 1973, →ISBN, page 225:
      Serpico spat the words out. "For killing a cop! He's a fucking cop-killer! Tell that to all his fucking friends up there."

Etymology 2

From the bullet's (bullets') supposed ability to penetrate body armor, thus endangering police officers.

Noun

cop-killer (plural cop-killers)

  1. (US, slang) A Teflon-coated bullet.
Usage notes
  • First used by gun control advocates in the early 1980s following an NBC show on the subject.
Translations
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