enforcer
Americannoun
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a person or thing that enforces.
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the member of a group, especially of a gang, charged with keeping dissident members obedient.
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a person, especially a public official, who enforces laws, regulations, rules, or the like.
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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.
Etymology
Origin of enforcer
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.
Kohli plays Arjun Devraj, an enforcer for the futuristic Soltari corporation sent on a rescue mission to the hostile planet of Carcosa.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
If Bovino was as smart as he thinks he is, he would’ve followed the longtime strategy of another longtime immigration enforcer.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
It even seemed as if she was more concerned with being an enforcer than a scorer.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026
Vietnam's ruling Communist Party "unanimously" re-elected To Lam as general secretary on Friday, confirming the former security enforcer as the country's top leader for the next five years and backing his vision for growth-oriented change.
From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026
Mom was the enforcer, always hovering, but Dad hung back a little.
From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs
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.
