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

Ian Russell, chair of the online safety charity the Molly Rose Foundation, has previously said the government should enforce existing laws rather than bring in "sledgehammer techniques like bans".

From BBC • May 25, 2026

When there might be issues: If you’re flying from California to Texas, or have a layover there, officers may enforce Texas state law, including in the terminal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

But the often-overlapping technologies for commercial and military purposes create a grey zone that is difficult to enforce -- especially across borders.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Three of the companies agreed to limit production lines of standard dry containers, install surveillance cameras to enforce the limits, and to not build any new manufacturing facilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

I just wondered if they were really planning to make us enforce the rules when nobody else did.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

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