enforce

[en-fawrs, -fohrs]

verb (used with object)

enforced, enforcing 

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)

Other Word Forms

• enforceable adjective
• enforceability noun
• enforcedly adverb
• enforcer noun
• enforcive adjective
• half-enforced adjective
• nonenforceable adjective
• nonenforced adjective
• nonenforcedly adverb
• nonenforcing adjective
• preenforce verb (used with object)
• quasi-enforced adjective
• unenforceability noun
• unenforceable adjective
• unenforced adjective
• unenforcedly adverb
• well-enforced adjective
• enforcement noun

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

She says the scandal is a reminder that regulations are only as good as they are enforced.

From BBC

The report, titled "A War of Atrocities" called on the international community to enforce an arms embargo as well as set up an independent judicial process to ensure alleged perpetrators face justice.

From BBC

Last year, the city said that even though the shelter ban remained on its books, it would not be enforced.

From Los Angeles Times

Current commissioner Adam Silver is just as adamant as Stern when it comes to enforcing salary cap rules, although the current CBA limits punishment.

From Los Angeles Times

The city should also dedicate resources to enforcing the temperature-threshold rules and to helping tenants afford their utility bills to lessen the burden, she added.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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