enforce
[ en-fawrs, -fohrs ]
/ ɛnˈfɔrs, -ˈfoʊrs /
verb (used with object), en·forced, en·forc·ing.
to put or keep in force; compel obedience to: to enforce a rule; Traffic laws will be strictly enforced.
to obtain (payment, obedience, etc.) by force or compulsion.
to impose (a course of action) upon a person: The doctor enforced a strict dietary regimen.
to support (a demand, claim, etc.) by force: to enforce one's rights as a citizen.
to impress or urge (an argument, contention, etc.) forcibly; lay stress upon: He enforced his argument by adding details.
RELATED WORDS
null, dead, bad, invalid, voided, avoided, fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inoperative, nugatory, sterile, unfruitful, unsuccessful, useless, vain, worthless, unconfirmed, unratified, unsanctioned
Nearby words
- enfin,
- enflame,
- enfleurage,
- enflurane,
- enfold,
- enforceable,
- enforcement,
- enforcer,
- enfranchise,
- enfranchisement
Origin of enforce
SYNONYMS FOR enforce
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for unenforceable
enforce
/ (ɪnˈfɔːs) /
verb (tr)
to ensure observance of or obedience to (a law, decision, etc)
to impose (obedience, loyalty, etc) by or as by force
to emphasize or reinforce (an argument, demand, etc)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
enforce
early 14c., "to drive by physical force;" mid-14c., "make an effort; strengthen a place; compel," from Old French enforcier or from en- (1) "make, put in" + force. Related: Enforced; enforcing.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper