enforcer

American  

[en-fawr-ser, -fohr-] / ɛnˈfɔr sər, -ˈfoʊr- /

noun

1. a person or thing that enforces.

2. the member of a group, especially of a gang, charged with keeping dissident members obedient.

3. a person, especially a public official, who enforces laws, regulations, rules, or the like.

4. Also called policeman.  Ice Hockey. a physically intimidating or willingly belligerent player who is counted on to retaliate when rough tactics are used by the opposing team.

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Etymology

Origin of enforcer

First recorded in 1570–80; enforce + -er ¹

Example Sentences

As recently as last year, it remained one of the federal government’s largest enforcers of antidiscrimination laws, with nearly 600 civil rights workers.

From Salon

Claudius snapped back into enforcer mode, rejecting price drops and special inventory requests.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the second half of his term, enforcers focused more on monopolization cases.

From The Wall Street Journal

As ChatGPT marks its third anniversary, it offers a simple lesson to enforcers and courts alike: In technology markets, the most powerful check on monopoly is often the next invention.

From Barron's

Companies have been accused of fixing prices through agreements among executives, but antitrust enforcers said consultants such as RealPage can also effectively enable that conduct.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• assassin
• executioner