Officer

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɒfɪsÉ™/
• US IPA: /ˈɑfÉ™səɹ/

Origin

From Anglo-Norman officer, officier, from Late Latin officiarius ("official"), from Latin officium ("office") + -ārius ("-er").

Full definition of officer

Noun

1. (one who has a position of authority in a hierarchical organization)One who has a position of authority in a hierarchical organization, especially in military, police or government organizations.
• 1918, W. B. Maxwell, The Mirror and the Lamp Chapter 19, Nothing was too small to receive attention, if a supervising eye could suggest improvements likely to conduce to the common welfare. Mr. Gordon Burnage, for instance, personally visited dust-bins and back premises, accompanied by a sort of village bailiff, going his round like a commanding officer doing billets.
2. (one who holds a public office)One who holds a public office.
3. (an agent or servant endowed with the ability to act on initiative)An agent or servant imparted with the ability, to some degree, to act on initiative.
4. (a contraction of the term "commissioned officer")(colloquial, military) A commissioned officer.

Derived terms

• non-commissioned officer

Related terms

• office
• official
• officiate

Verb

1. (transitive) To supply with officers.
2. (transitive) To command like an officer.

Synonyms

• direct
• conduct
• manage

Related terms

• CO
• NCO