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federal

Definition

  • noun: a supporter of the government of the U.S. in the American Civil War
  • noun: a supporter of the United States government in the Civil War
  • adjective: of or relating to a form of government in which power is shared between a central government and individual states, provinces, etc.
  • adjective: of or relating to a compact or treaty
  • usually plural
  • synonyms: northern, national

Examples

  • I agree that he shouldn't have said that, but there's no reason to 'make a federal case out of' it. [='make a big deal about it']

  • Do you have to 'make a federal case out of' it every time I come home late?

  • Local police sought help from the 'federals'. [=(less formally) 'feds']

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) I know I'll feel better after I do this. I love you. Wait. I won't be long. I can't park in front like this. It's a federal building! He's gonna do the same exact thing that I said. A nine millie. Bullets. Another nine millie. (..)
    1994 Léon: The Professional
  • (..) Here. It's for a contract. Twenty grand, right? His name is Norman Stansfield, and he's in room ... in the D. E. A. building, Federal Plaza. - I'm not taking it. - Why not? - It's too heavy. - Well. Will you rent me your gear (..)
    1994 Léon: The Professional