2Military intervention without a formal declaration of war, when a nation or group within a nation is considered to be violating international law and peace; an instance of this.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in The Times.
Definition of police action in US English:
police action
noun
1The activity or behaviour of the police.
2Military intervention without a formal declaration of war, when a nation or group within a nation is considered to be violating international law and peace; an instance of this.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in The Times.