gestapo

ge-sta-po · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (historical, capitalized) The German secret state police under Nazi rule (1933-1945), notorious for its brutal methods and role in the Holocaust.

  2. 2.

    (lowercase, informal, often offensive) Any ruthless or oppressive secret police force or group using similar tactics.

Related words

See also: fascism, nazi, police
Synonyms: secret police

Etymology

From German Gestapo, an acronym from Geheime Staatspolizei ("Secret State Police"), formed in 1933 under the Nazi government.