enforcer

[en-fawr-ser, -fohr-]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of enforcer¹

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

Example Sentences

Occupying the grey space between the enforcer and whatever Donald is up to is Tracy Letts’ Frank Martin, a local construction magnate buying up Black businesses at a clip that has tripped Lee’s internal alarm.

From Salon

Lawyers representing controversial websites 4chan and Kiwi Farms have filed a legal case against the UK Online Safety Act enforcer Ofcom.

From BBC

Was an effective enforcer in the first Test but injury claimed him thereafter.

From BBC

The reports sometimes turn out to be false, and immigration enforcers seem to strike and depart with swift precision, leaving the public little opportunity to respond.

From Los Angeles Times

Carroll, an enforcer for the Daniel crime family, was shot 13 times as he sat in a car outside a supermarket in Robroyston, Glasgow, in 2010.

From BBC

Related Words

• assassin 
• executioner