enforce

[en-fawrs, -fohrs] /ɛnˈfɔrs, -ˈfoʊrs/

verb (used with object), enforced, enforcing.

to put or keep in force; compel obedience to:

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

to obtain (payment, obedience, etc.) by force or compulsion.

to impose (a course of action) upon a person:

The doctor enforced a strict dietary regimen.

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

to enforce one's rights as a citizen.

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

He enforced his argument by adding details.

Origin

1275-1325; Middle English enforcen < Anglo-French enforcer, Old French enforcier, enforc(ir), equivalent to en- en-¹ + forci(e)r to force

Related forms

enforceable, adjective

enforceability, noun

enforcedly

[en-fawr-sid-lee, -fohr-] /ɛnˈfɔr sɪd li, -ˈfoʊr-/ (Show IPA), adverb

enforcer, noun

enforcive, adjective

half-enforced, adjective

nonenforceable, adjective

nonenforced, adjective

nonenforcedly, adverb

nonenforcing, adjective

preenforce, verb (used with object), preenforced, preenforcing.

quasi-enforced, adjective

unenforceability, noun

unenforceable, adjective

unenforced, adjective

unenforcedly, adverb

well-enforced, adjective

Synonyms

1. administer, impose, execute, apply.

Examples from the web for enforce

But the rule permits so many exceptions that it is nearly impossible to enforce.
The other big question is how the city plans to enforce the new rule.
Several county sheriffs, who will have to enforce parts of the new law, have filed affidavits supporting the legal challenges.
In addition, fisheries agencies will have to set tough quotas and enforce them.
Local officials now have flexibility to enforce the policy as they see fit.
It's also likely that taxation would be impossible to enforce.
Closing the form for responses is needed to enforce this.
Animal-welfare groups argue that a better way to prevent rabies would be to enforce inoculation of animals against the disease.
Over the years, the island city has tried to enforce various restrictions on the annual celebration.
Elections are the surest option for the people to enforce their will and express their collective vision for their country.

British Dictionary definitions for enforce

enforce

/ɪnˈfɔːs/

verb (transitive)

to ensure observance of or obedience to (a law, decision, etc)

to impose (obedience, loyalty, etc) by or as by force

to emphasize or reinforce (an argument, demand, etc)

Derived Forms

enforceable, adjective
enforceability, noun
enforcedly (ɪnˈfɔːsɪdlɪ) adverb
enforcement, noun
enforcer, noun

Word Origin and History for enforce

early 14c., "to drive by physical force;" mid-14c., "make an effort; strengthen a place; compel," from Old French enforcier or from en- (1) "make, put in" + force. Related: Enforced; enforcing.