enact
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to make into an act or statute.
Congress has enacted a new tax law.
-
to represent on or as on the stage; act the part of.
to enact Hamlet.
verb
-
to make into an act or statute
-
to establish by law; ordain or decree
-
to represent or perform in or as if in a play; to act out
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
preenactverb (used with object)
-
reenactverb (used with object)
-
well-enactedadjective
-
unenactedadjective
-
enactornoun
-
enactiveadjective
-
enactmentnoun
-
enactableadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have enactedperfect
-
has enactedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have been enactingperfect progressive
-
is enactingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
are enactingprogressive
-
enactssingular 3rd person
-
enactingparticiple
-
am enactingprogressive 1st person singular
-
has been enactingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
Past
-
had enactedperfect
-
had been enactingperfect progressive
-
were enactingprogressive plural
-
was enactingprogressive singular
-
enactedparticiple
-
enactedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of enact
First recorded in 1375–1425, enact is from the late Middle English word enacten. See en- 1, act
Explanation
You often hear that Congress is going to enact a new statute, which means that they will make it into a law. But enact also means to perform, like in a play. (Makes you wonder if the lawmakers are actors!) Inside the word enact is that little word act, meaning “to do.” That makes sense, because when you enact something, you make it happen. And of course, we know that to act also means to perform, and so enact means “to act out,” like on stage. Now that the new rules have been enacted, you'll have to stop wearing your gorilla suit to work. Even after Labor Day.
Vocabulary lists containing enact
The Mayflower Compact (1620)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Vocabulary from history writings about the Triangle Factory Fire
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Just Do It: Act
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
