Pronunciation: /ˈɡɛˌstɑˌpoʊ/

Definitions of Gestapo

noun The Gestapo was the secret police of Nazi Germany, known for its brutal tactics and suppression of dissent.

Example Sentences

A1 The Gestapo was a secret police force in Nazi Germany.

A2 During World War II, the Gestapo was known for its brutal tactics.

B1 The Gestapo played a key role in the persecution of Jews and other minorities.

B2 Many people lived in fear of the Gestapo during the Nazi regime.

C1 The Gestapo operated as a key instrument of the Nazi state's terror apparatus.

C2 Historians continue to study the Gestapo's role in the Holocaust and wartime atrocities.

Examples of Gestapo in a Sentence

formal The Gestapo was the secret police of Nazi Germany during World War II.

informal My grandfather told me stories about how people lived in fear of the Gestapo.

slang The Gestapo were like the boogeymen of that time, always watching and ready to pounce.

figurative The strict new manager runs the office like a Gestapo, monitoring everyone's every move.

Grammatical Forms of Gestapo

past tense

Gestapoed

plural

Gestapos

comparative

more Gestapo

superlative

most Gestapo

present tense

Gestapos

future tense

will Gestapo

perfect tense

have Gestapoed

continuous tense

is Gestapoing

singular

Gestapo

positive degree

Gestapo

infinitive

to Gestapo

gerund

Gestapoing

participle

Gestapoed

Origin and Evolution of Gestapo

First Known Use: 1933 year
Language of Origin: German
Story behind the word: The word 'Gestapo' is a German abbreviation for 'Geheime Staatspolizei', which translates to 'Secret State Police'. It was the official secret police of Nazi Germany.
Evolution of the word: The word 'Gestapo' has become synonymous with oppressive and secret policing tactics, often used to describe any authoritarian or oppressive government agency. Its usage has evolved to symbolize fear and control.