Main Entry: en·force

Pronunciation: \in-ˈfȯrs, en-\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French enforcer, from en- + force force

Date: 14th century

1 : to give force to : strengthen
2 : to urge with energy <enforce arguments>
3 : constrain, compel <enforce obedience>
4 obsolete : to effect or gain by force
5 : to carry out effectively <enforce laws>

— en·force·abil·i·ty \-ˌfȯr-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— en·force·able \-ˈfȯr-sə-bəl\ adjective

— en·force·ment \-ˈfȯr-smənt\ noun