reaction, noun

Used attributively in the phrases reaction police, reaction squad, reaction unit, designating a police unit which specializes in the control of crowds and rioters, and which is on standby so that it can react quickly when summoned.
1982 E. Prov. Herald 2 Sept. 1The reporter saw the morning convoy as it sped along Settlers Way,..three reaction unit vans, three large police transporters and two buses.
1982 E. Prov. Herald 4 Dec. 1The reaction squad had stormed the armoury after the gunman had fired his first shot.
1985 Weekly Mail 12 July 12To some, the heightened presence of the SADF and the Riot Squad’s reaction unit has become so much part of everyday life that it scarcely attracts attention.
1987 Argus 8 July 3The former commander of the Bellville reaction unit..has been relieved of his riot duties.
Used attributively in the phrases reaction police, reaction squad, reaction unit,designating a police unit which specializes in the control of crowds and rioters, and which is on standby so that it can react quickly when summoned.
Entry Navigation

Visualise Quotations

Quotation summary

Senses

19821987

Browse Related Words

By Category

Units and Formations
RDP, nounn.rebel, adjectiveadj. & nounn.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Unit for South African English