enforce

[en-fawrs, -fohrs]

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.

enforce

/ 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)

Other Word Forms

• enforceable adjective
• enforceability noun
• enforcedly adverb
• 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
• enforcement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enforce¹

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” ( force )

Example Sentences

Here's what we know about how Australia will enforce the new restrictions.

Read more on Barron's

Earlier in November, veteran MMA referee Herb Dean said officials will look to more regularly enforce point deductions for eye pokes after the Aspinall incident.

Read more on BBC

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created to enforce workplace safety standards, shifting safety from union negotiation to government regulation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The issue is whether or not they can enforce these rights across the board.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

National Guard troops are a reservist force that can be activated to serve as military troops, but have limited power as they cannot enforce the law or make arrests.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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