Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of enforcement
1425–75; late Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French. See enforce, -ment
Explanation
Enforcement is when someone in a position of power makes sure you follow the rules, whether it’s a police officer pulling over a speeding car, or your brother catching you cheating at checkers. Most people benefit from the enforcement of laws, because it prevents criminals from taking advantage of others. You can see the word force inside enforcement, and it usually takes a little force to keep people from breaking rules. Enforcement may not make you a popular person – think of a hall monitor – but it does make for an obedient and organized life.
Vocabulary lists containing enforcement
Stay Strong: Forc and Fort
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Bush's Address on 9/11
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Holes
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Bass worked with city agencies on strategies for keeping Immigration and Customs Enforcement off city property.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
"But at the same time, I think twice. I don't want to be arrested by ICE," he said, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers tasked with arresting and deporting undocumented foreign nationals.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
Det Ch Insp Nik Jethwa, head of the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department, said ghost broking had become "increasingly prevalent", with criminals using social media to push fake policies.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
She heard officers talking about Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, he said, and worried she might be moved there next.
From Salon • May 14, 2026
Ten of the twelve members of the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Standing Committee convened in the capitol, the meeting called to order by their vice chairman, Curtis Oda, a Republican and insurance agent.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
