enforce

[ en-fawrs, -fohrs ]

verb (used with object)

, en·forced, en·forc·ing.

1. to put or keep in force; compel obedience to:

   to enforce a rule; Traffic laws will be strictly enforced.

   Synonyms: apply, execute, impose, administer

2. to obtain (payment, obedience, etc.) by force or compulsion.
3. to impose (a course of action) upon a person:

   The doctor enforced a strict dietary regimen.

4. to support (a demand, claim, etc.) by force:

   to enforce one's rights as a citizen.

5. to impress or urge (an argument, contention, etc.) forcibly; lay stress upon:

   He enforced his argument by adding details.

enforce

/ ɪnˈfɔːsɪdlɪ; ɪnˈfɔːs /

verb

1. to ensure observance of or obedience to (a law, decision, etc)
2. to impose (obedience, loyalty, etc) by or as by force
3. to emphasize or reinforce (an argument, demand, etc)

Derived Forms

• enˌforceaˈbility, noun
• enˈforcer, noun
• enˈforcement, noun
• enforcedly, adverb
• enˈforceable, adjective

Other Words From

• en·forcea·ble adjective
• en·forcea·bili·ty noun
• en·forc·ed·ly [en-, fawr, -sid-lee, -, fohr, -], 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) preenforced preenforcing
• 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of enforce¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English enforcen, from Anglo-French enforcer, Old French enforcier, enforc(ir), from en- en- ¹ + forci(e)r “to compel, strengthen” ( force )

Example Sentences

Beard's absence is the only injury enforced change.

From BBC

And the Supreme Court ruled in June that cities can enforce camping bans, even if they lack shelter space for homeless people.

From Los Angeles Times

The act also allows children and young people to use the courts to enforce their rights.

From BBC

Ofcom, the UK watchdog enforcing the law, has warned that companies will face punishments if they fail to keep children safe on their platforms.

From BBC

Orlov now lives in Germany in enforced exile after he was released in a prisoner swap in August.

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplish
• administer
• apply
• carry out
• implement
• impose
• invoke
• prosecute
• reinforce
• require
• sanction