enforcer

American  

[en-fawr-ser, -fohr-] / ɛnˈfɔr sər, -ˈfoʊr- /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of enforcer

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

Example Sentences

SW: Some will say he did not start as many games as Mickael Guillard, who was great as well, but Meafou showed, particularly in the last round, why you need that enforcer in your pack.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Today, the commission is made up only of Xi, who is its chairman, and a general known less as a traditional warrior than as a political enforcer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Vietnam's ruling Communist Party "unanimously" re-elected To Lam as general secretary on Friday, confirming the former security enforcer as the country's top leader for the next five years and backing his vision for growth-oriented change.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

Williamson is known as a seasoned political operator in Sacramento and blunt-talking enforcer for Newsom.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

Nina knew him only in passing—a bouncer and an enforcer, like the ill-fated Big Bolliger.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

• assassin
• executioner