gə̇ˈstä(ˌ)pō, -tȧ(- noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: German, secret-police organization in Nazi Germany, from Ge heime Sta ats po lizei, literally, secret state police
: a secret-police organization that operates especially against persons suspected of treason or sedition and employs methods held to be underhanded and terrorist