enforcer

[ en-fawr-ser, -fohr- ]

noun

1. a person or thing that enforces.
2. the member of a group, especially of a gang, charged with keeping dissident members obedient.
3. a person, especially a public official, who enforces laws, regulations, rules, or the like.
4. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of enforcer¹

First recorded in 1570–80; enforce + -er ¹

Example Sentences

He made his name in the organization as a brutal internal enforcer, rooting out suspected spies and collaborators with Israel.

From Los Angeles Times

He also expressed a desire to unleash violent police enforcers to rampage and kill at will.

From Salon

The employee claimed in the days and weeks that followed, he received threats from Ye’s associates who were known “enforcers,” exacerbating his PTSD.

From Los Angeles Times

Times editorial from earlier this year pitched this as a powerful element of the legislation, which “could help curb the use of banned rodenticides by empowering all Californians to become enforcers.”

From Los Angeles Times

The idea that the sheriff is a gentle helper of damsels in distress, rather than some sort of code enforcer.

From Salon

Related Words

• assassin
• executioner