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
SW: Some will say he did not start as many games as Mickael Guillard, who was great as well, but Meafou showed, particularly in the last round, why you need that enforcer in your pack.
From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026
Her top civil enforcer, Mark Hamer, resigned the day before Slater stepped down.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026
He stands there like an enforcer, his arms crossed and his stance wide.
From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina
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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.