used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading "Why are you here?" she asked anxiously.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Why are you here?" she asked anxiously.
arrestverbUS /ərˈest/
take into custody
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "Why are you here?" she asked anxiously.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Yes," said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, "one cannot deny that when a policeman comes it seems to signify trouble."
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading "Yes," said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, "one cannot deny that when a policeman comes it seems to signify trouble."
declare untrue; contradict
From this reading "Yes," said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, "one cannot deny that when a policeman comes it seems to signify trouble."
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
doorbellnounUS /ˈdɔːrbel/
a push button at an outer door that gives a ringing or buzzing signal when pushed
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
evil-doers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
fearingverbUS /ˈfɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
made afraid
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "Why are you here?" she asked anxiously.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
and nothing more
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "Yes," said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, "one cannot deny that when a policeman comes it seems to signify trouble."
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
pleasantlyadverbUS /ˈplezəntli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading "Yes," said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, "one cannot deny that when a policeman comes it seems to signify trouble."
policemannounUS /pəˈliːsmən/
a member of a police force
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
protectorsnounUS /prəˈtektərz/
plural of “protector” — a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
cut with a saw
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "Yes," said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, "one cannot deny that when a policeman comes it seems to signify trouble."
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
signifyverbUS /ˈsɪɡnəfaɪ/
denote or connote
From this reading "Yes," said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, "one cannot deny that when a policeman comes it seems to signify trouble."
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
SteinernounUS /ˈstaɪnər/
Austrian philosopher who founded anthroposophy (1861-1925)
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
thievesnounUS /θiːvz/
plural of “thief” — a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
a special situation
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
a source of difficulty
From this reading "Yes," said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, "one cannot deny that when a policeman comes it seems to signify trouble."
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "It is a strange thing that people seem frightened as if fearing arrest when we come to their doors," he said in a kindly tone.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
at the time that
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading "Why are you here?" she asked anxiously.
an affirmative
From this reading "Yes," said Mrs. Steiner pleasantly, "one cannot deny that when a policeman comes it seems to signify trouble."
but in spite of that
From this reading "They should look upon us as protectors against thieves and other evil-doers, yet they seem to look upon us as enemies."
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Why are you here?" she asked anxiously.
ZOOLOGICALadjectiveUS /ˌzuːˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/
concerning the study of animals and their classification and properties
From this reading THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS The next morning just as Mrs. Steiner and her guests had finished breakfast the doorbell rang, and she went to the door, opened it but drew back startled, when she saw a tall policeman.
