enforce [en-fawrs , -fohrs ]
Synonyms Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for enforce on Thesaurus.com 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. Show More
Origin of enforce 1275–1325; Middle English enforcen <
Anglo-French enforcer, Old French enforcier, enforc(ir ), equivalent to
en- en-1 +
forci(e)r to
force Related forms en·force·a·ble , adjective en·force·a·bil·i·ty , noun en·forc·ed·ly [en-fawr -sid-lee, -fohr -] /ɛnˈfɔr sɪd li, -ˈfoʊr-/ adverb en·forc·er , noun en·forc·ive , adjective half-en·forced , adjective non·en·force·a·ble , adjective non·en·forced , adjective non·en·for·ced·ly , adverb non·en·forc·ing , adjective pre·en·force , verb (used with object), pre·en·forced, pre·en·forc·ing. qua·si-en·forced , adjective un·en·force·a·bil·i·ty , noun un·en·force·a·ble , adjective un·en·forced , adjective un·en·forc·ed·ly , adverb well-en·forced , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for unenforceable null ,
dead ,
bad ,
invalid ,
voided ,
avoided ,
fruitless ,
ineffective ,
ineffectual ,
inoperative ,
nugatory ,
sterile ,
unfruitful ,
unsuccessful ,
useless ,
vain ,
worthless ,
unconfirmed ,
unenforceable ,
unratified Examples from the Web for unenforceable Historical Examples of unenforceable It is generally held to be unenforceable if the insured suicided while insane.
The Statute of Frauds does not invalidate a verbal guarantee, but renders it unenforceable by action.
But other kinds of illegal contracts are not so obviously wicked as to make it clear that they are unenforceable .
Commercial Law Samuel Williston, Richard D. Currier, and Richard W. Hill
Hence, an agreement to sell goods is unenforceable if not supported by consideration.
Commercial Law Samuel Williston, Richard D. Currier, and Richard W. Hill
Thus, a son worked for his father on his father's farm under an unenforceable contract with his uncle.
British Dictionary definitions for unenforceable 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) Show More
Derived Forms enforceable , adjective enforceability , noun enforcedly (ɪnˈfɔːsɪdlɪ ), adverb enforcement , noun enforcer , noun Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for unenforceable v. 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 .
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
