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

Moreover, he said, the state law enforces a double standard.

From Los Angeles Times

Israeli authorities said they enforced a legal blockade and called the flotilla a "publicity stunt" because it was transporting only two tons of aid in total.

From BBC

They do not enforce the law, or make arrests, seizures, or searches.

From BBC

A 2023 state law bans such “pay-to-play” arrangements — but college officials say it is difficult to enforce and the law is vague about what exactly is forbidden.

From Los Angeles Times

Last month, Kathryn Shaw - the Reform UK cabinet member for education at West Northamptonshire Council - said: "We can provide guidance, consultation and leadership, but we cannot enforce policy across trusts."

From BBC

Related Words

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