Other Word Forms
- nonenforcement noun
- preenforcement noun
- proenforcement adjective
- superenforcement noun
Etymology
Origin of enforcement
1425–75; late Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French. See enforce, -ment
Explanation
Enforcement is when someone in a position of power makes sure you follow the rules, whether it’s a police officer pulling over a speeding car, or your brother catching you cheating at checkers. Most people benefit from the enforcement of laws, because it prevents criminals from taking advantage of others. You can see the word force inside enforcement, and it usually takes a little force to keep people from breaking rules. Enforcement may not make you a popular person – think of a hall monitor – but it does make for an obedient and organized life.
Vocabulary lists containing enforcement
Stay Strong: Forc and Fort
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Bush's Address on 9/11
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Holes
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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.
It added officers were "now moving to an enforcement phase" and those involved would "face the full rigours of the law".
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
The committee held a hearing last month to discuss the ethics enforcement process.
From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026
Under these agreements, local law enforcement officers conduct operations on ICE’s behalf, including confirmation of address and school enrollment, and then pass any information they collect to the Department of Homeland Security.
From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026
The government has appealed to parents to allow their children join the Basij volunteer militia – a key arm of state enforcement – to help guard checkpoints.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
But the sheriff considered himself the highest law enforcement official in Dallas County.
From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman
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.
