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dragnet Definition

drag·net (dragnet′)

noun

  1. a net dragged along the bottom of a river, lake, etc. for catching fish
  2. a net for catching small game
  3. ☆ an organized system or network for gathering in or catching criminals or others wanted by the authorities

dragnet Synonyms

dragnet

n.

  1. A net

    trawl, seine, trammel; see drag 1, net.

  2. A system for apprehending criminals or suspects

    police sweep, network, all-points bulletin, APB, stakeout, roundup; see also arrest 1, hunt 2, trap 1.

dragnet Usage Examples

Converse of object

draw: The police campaign against it drew a dragnet through the UK anarchist community.

Modifies a noun

testing: Thurgood Marshall's cry of anguish about dragnet testing for drugs.

Noun used with modifier

  • DNA: The case concerns a 2002 DNA dragnet initiated by police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana during a serial rape-murder investigation.
  • police: One attempt at calling a general strike was effectively suppressed by members of the SAW and ANC who had escaped the police dragnet.

Browse dictionary entries near dragnet

  1. dragline
  2. draggy
  3. draggle
  4. dragging
  5. dragger
  6. drag race
  7. drag queen
  8. drag one's feet
  9. drag on
  10. drag link
  1. dragoman
  2. dragon
  3. dragon bonds
  4. dragon's blood
  5. dragonet
  6. dragonfly
  7. dragonhead
  8. dragoon
  9. dragrope
  10. dragster