1 gestapo | Definition of gestapo

gestapo

noun
ge·​sta·​po | \ gə-ˈstä-(ˌ)pō How to pronounce gestapo (audio) \
plural gestapos

Definition of gestapo

: a secret-police organization employing underhanded and terrorist methods against persons suspected of disloyalty

Examples of gestapo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kim denies that his work today is repentance for past sins as a member of Kim Jong-il’s data gestapo. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, "The Plot to Free North Korea With Smuggled Episodes of ‘Friends’," 1 Mar. 2015 The gestapo believes the Allies have installed a spy close to Wilhelm, and Brandt is assigned the task of rooting him out. Gary Thompson, Philly.com, "WWII drama 'The Exception' offers old-fashioned intrigue, romance," 5 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gestapo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of gestapo

1934, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for gestapo

German, from Geheime Staatspolizei, literally, secret state police

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More from Merriam-Webster on gestapo

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gestapo