What does S.W.A.T. mean? Explained

Pronunciation

/ˌɛswɑːti/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Abbreviation

Definition

An abbreviation for Special Weapons And Tactics, referring to a specialized police unit trained to handle high-risk situations.

Examples

• The SWAT team was called in to handle the hostage situation.
• The police department’s SWAT unit is composed of highly trained officers.

Synonyms

• Special Operations
• Tactical Unit

Antonyms

• Regular Police
• Standard Unit

Additional Information

The SWAT team is a specialized unit within a police department, trained to handle high-risk situations such as hostage situations, barricaded suspects, and high-risk warrant service. They are equipped with specialized weapons and gear, and are trained in tactics and strategies to resolve these situations peacefully.

The term SWAT is often used to describe the unit itself, as well as the tactics and strategies employed by the unit. SWAT teams are deployed in situations where the risk of injury or death is high, and require a high level of training and expertise to resolve the situation safely.

Etymology

The term SWAT was first used in the 1960s, when the Los Angeles Police Department formed the first SWAT team. The term is an acronym for Special Weapons And Tactics.

Usage Notes

The term SWAT is often used to describe the unit itself, as well as the tactics and strategies employed by the unit. It is essential to use the term correctly, as it refers to a specific type of police unit and not a general term for police operations.

Cultural References

The term SWAT has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and video games, often depicting the unit in action-packed and dramatic scenarios.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “SWAT team approach” – referring to a highly coordinated and specialized effort to resolve a complex problem.

Related Words or Phrases

• Special Operations
• Tactical Unit
• Hostage Rescue

Collocations

• SWAT team deployment
• SWAT unit training
• SWAT operation

Frequency of Use

The term SWAT is commonly used in modern language, particularly in the context of law enforcement and police operations.

Common Misspellings

• SWAT team
• Swat team
• SWATT