enforcer

noun

en·​forc·​er in-ˈfȯr-sər How to pronounce enforcer (audio)
en-
Synonyms of enforcernext
1
: one that enforces
2
a
: a violent criminal employed by a crime syndicate
especially : hit man sense 1
b
: a player (as in ice hockey) known for rough play and fighting

Examples of enforcer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Sacha Boisvert has a chance to be the Hawks’ future enforcer. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026 After a while, the enforcer and his colleagues from the morning returned. Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 19 May 2026 The would-be moral enforcers aren’t much better. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026 At the center of this comedic cat-and-mouse chase was Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, a longtime ally of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has gone from a powerful enforcer of a bloody drug crackdown to a wanted criminal on the run. Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for enforcer

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enforcer was in 1580

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Cite this Entry

“Enforcer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enforcer. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

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