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

Batty was more than a mere enforcer, however.

From BBC

Now a new film follows the life of Jones, described by one US law enforcer as the "best conman" he had ever come across.

From BBC

My mother was the family enforcer, but she had it pretty easy with me, since I was a “good kid.”

From The Wall Street Journal

That issue could be relevant again as antitrust enforcers review the Netflix deal.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• assassin
• executioner