feds

feds · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (informal) Federal government agents, especially those from the FBI or other federal law enforcement agencies.

  2. 2.

    (informal) The federal government or federal authorities in general.

  3. 3.

    (finance, informal) The Federal Reserve or its officials.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    the feds are coming — Warning that federal authorities are approaching
  • •
    call in the feds — To involve federal authorities in a matter

Related words

See also: agent, fbi, federal
Synonyms: FBI agents, G-men, federal agents

Etymology

Informal shortening of "federal" or "federal agents," first appearing in American English in the early 20th century. The term gained popularity through crime dramas and journalism.