enforce

American  

[en-fawrs, -fohrs] / ɛnˈfɔrs, -ˈfoʊrs /

verb (used with object)

enforced, enforcing

1. to put or keep in force; compel obedience to.

   to enforce a rule; Traffic laws will be strictly enforced.

   Synonyms:

   apply, execute, impose, administer

2. to obtain (payment, obedience, etc.) by force or compulsion.

3. to impose (a course of action) upon a person.

   The doctor enforced a strict dietary regimen.

4. to support (a demand, claim, etc.) by force.

   to enforce one's rights as a citizen.

5. to impress or urge (an argument, contention, etc.) forcibly; lay stress upon.

   He enforced his argument by adding details.

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enforce British  

/ ɪnˈfɔːsɪdlɪ, ɪnˈfɔːs /

verb

1. to ensure observance of or obedience to (a law, decision, etc)

2. to impose (obedience, loyalty, etc) by or as by force

3. to emphasize or reinforce (an argument, demand, etc)

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Other Word Forms

• enforceability noun
• enforceable adjective
• enforcedly adverb
• enforcement noun
• enforcer noun
• enforcive adjective
• half-enforced adjective
• nonenforceable adjective
• nonenforced adjective
• nonenforcedly adverb
• nonenforcing adjective
• preenforce verb (used with object)
• quasi-enforced adjective
• unenforceability noun
• unenforceable adjective
• unenforced adjective
• unenforcedly adverb
• well-enforced adjective

Etymology

Origin of enforce

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English enforcen, from Anglo-French enforcer, Old French enforcier, enforc(ir), from en- en- ¹ + forci(e)r “to compel, strengthen” ( see force)

Explanation

To enforce means to make sure the laws and rules are being followed. So those guys wearing striped outfits and whistles? They're in charge of enforcing the rules of the game. See the word force inside of enforce? It can help you remember that enforce is all about forcing others to follow the rules. The traffic police enforce the driving laws by handing out speeding tickets. Your parents hopefully enforce good behavior by grounding you when you stay out too late. It would be wonderful if everyone just followed the rules on their own, but it seems the temptation to be bad is just too strong. So thank goodness for all the enforcers that keep us in line.

Example Sentences

In fire-prone areas, Cal Fire and local fire departments already enforce defensible space rules, and building codes require home hardening like covering vents with mesh to prevent embers from entering the house.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

Central Command said there are more than 17 warships and 100 aircraft in the region to enforce the blockade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Commissioner Marty Makary said at the time that the FDA wouldn’t enforce certain provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for hemp-derived oral products solely because they contain CBD.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Regardless, a terror group refusing to identify its leader clearly complicates its ability to project power, enforce doctrine, and generate propaganda.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

We were pushing the court to enforce the law in these cases, and when they refused, we were having success getting the Alabama Supreme Court and federal courts to grant relief.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• accomplish
• administer
• apply
• carry out
• implement
• impose
• invoke
• prosecute
• reinforce
• require
• sanction