definitions

enforce

[ en-fawrs, -fohrs ]
/ ɛnˈfɔrs, -ˈfoʊrs /
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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, enforce, enforcement, enforcer, enfranchise, eng, eng.

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for unenforceable

British Dictionary definitions 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)

Derived Forms

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