task force

American  

noun

1. Navy, Military. a temporary grouping of units under one commander, formed for the purpose of carrying out a specific operation or mission.

2. a group or committee, usually of experts or specialists, formed for analyzing, investigating, or solving a specific problem.

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task force British  

noun

1. a temporary grouping of military units formed to undertake a specific mission

2. any semipermanent organization set up to carry out a continuing task

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Etymology

Origin of task force

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

In 2022, with new leadership, Suffolk County Police created a task force to investigate the murders - bringing in federal and local law enforcement - which led them to Heuermann in six weeks.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

It said a task force involving the police, tourist board and aviation officials would "strengthen oversight and conduct regular audits", as well as to ensure guides and trekking agencies were licensed.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

To find their way into Cynthia’s unwieldy case at the start of the fall 2025 semester, Concannon and her teammates tackled the project much like a task force would, dividing it into sections.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

He called for “shared dialogue” and “shared advocacy,” announcing that he would appoint a task force “comprised of stakeholders on all sides of this to continue to have the conversation.”

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Among the members of the inspection task force, Lawrence and Mills were willing to entertain the idea of a test ban in principle but were pessimistic that it could be adequately monitored.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• crew