enforce
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to put or keep in force; compel obedience to.
to enforce a rule; Traffic laws will be strictly enforced.
- Synonyms:
- apply, execute, impose, administer
-
to obtain (payment, obedience, etc.) by force or compulsion.
-
to impose (a course of action) upon a person.
The doctor enforced a strict dietary regimen.
-
to support (a demand, claim, etc.) by force.
to enforce one's rights as a citizen.
-
to impress or urge (an argument, contention, etc.) forcibly; lay stress upon.
He enforced his argument by adding details.
verb
-
to ensure observance of or obedience to (a law, decision, etc)
-
to impose (obedience, loyalty, etc) by or as by force
-
to emphasize or reinforce (an argument, demand, etc)
Other Word Forms
-
enforceabilitynoun
-
enforceableadjective
-
enforcedlyadverb
-
enforcementnoun
-
enforcernoun
-
enforciveadjective
-
half-enforcedadjective
-
nonenforceableadjective
-
nonenforcedadjective
-
nonenforcedlyadverb
-
nonenforcingadjective
-
preenforceverb (used with object)
-
quasi-enforcedadjective
-
unenforceabilitynoun
-
unenforceableadjective
-
unenforcedadjective
-
unenforcedlyadverb
-
well-enforcedadjective
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.
Vocabulary lists containing enforce
Stay Strong: Forc and Fort
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!
13th Amendment (1865)
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!
19th Amendment (1920)
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!
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.
The right standard is simple and consistent: Enforce the law everywhere, and enforce it professionally.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026
Enforce the FTC Act and punish companies that have lax security practices.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2022
Enforce the laws and demand a regional approach for additional shelters and expanded mental-health facilities.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2021
Enforce the universally understood rule that the driver gets to pick the music.
From Slate • Jun. 10, 2019
In May, 1916, President Wilson accepted an invitation to address the first annual meeting of the League to Enforce Peace, which was to be held in Washington.
From The Peace Negotiations A Personal Narrative by Lansing, Robert
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.
