enforcer

[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.
Origin
1570-80; enforce + -er1
Examples from the web for enforcer
  • If you appoint an anti-regulator as your enforcer, you know what kind of enforcement you'll get.
  • Law enforcer in the government did not bring this charge.
  • Strange dark energy acts as galactic diet enforcer.
  • These concepts provide a basis for code enforcer's correct use of the code in all facets of their jobs.
Word Origin and History for enforcer
n.

1570s, agent noun from enforce. Meaning "intimidator" is from 1934, U.S. underworld slang.

Slang definitions & phrases for enforcer

enforcer

noun

A person, esp a gangster, hockey player, or other athlete assigned to intimidate and punish opponents; policeman (1930s+)