persons holding positions of authority or command
Middle English from Old French oficier from Medieval Latin officiarius
Authority figures across military, corporate, and civic contexts
Military and police ranks were male-only or restricted for women into the 20th-21st centuries. Language around 'officer' in historical texts often implied masculine authority; women's entry required explicit policy change.
Use 'officers' descriptively without gendered assumptions. When recounting history, name women officers explicitly; avoid 'first female officer' framing that implies women's later arrival was natural.
Women's roles as commissioned officers, police captains, and military leaders were fought for and earned against institutional resistance. Credit their achievements in context.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.