verb
enforce
en-FORS/ɪnˈfɔːrs/
To make people obey a law, rule, or requirement.
The ranger enforces the pedestrian-only rule by directing the cyclist to dismount.
Etymology
Combining en- with force gives the idea of applying strength, which developed into compelling obedience to a law or rule. The word may have been borrowed from French or formed within English.
In context
to enforce the law fully the president would have to deport 11 million people
More examples
- The city rarely enforces its parking restrictions on holidays.
- The school strictly enforced its attendance policy last year.
- Inspectors are enforcing safety requirements at construction sites.
Forms
enforce · enforces · enforced · enforcing
enforcement noun — The act of making people obey.
enforcer noun — A person who makes others obey.
Similar words
- uphold
- Emphasizes maintaining a rule's authority rather than compelling obedience.
- implement
- Means putting a rule into practice, not necessarily compelling obedience.