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

She’s the nation’s top civil-rights enforcer, and few occupants of her office have had as high a public profile as she does—including close to 1.6 million followers on social media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Today, the commission is made up only of Xi, who is its chairman, and a general known less as a traditional warrior than as a political enforcer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 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

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 • Dec. 31, 2025

It was beyond him; he was simply an enforcer, not a prince.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

Related Words

• assassin
• executioner