enforce

verb en·force \ in-ˈfȯrs , en- \

Updated on: 21 Mar 2018

Definition of enforce

transitive verb

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

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enforceability

play \in-ˌfȯr-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē, en-\ noun

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enforceable

play \in-ˈfȯr-sə-bəl, en-\ adjective

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enforcement

play \in-ˈfȯr-smənt, en-\ noun

See enforce defined for English-language learners

See enforce defined for kids

Examples of enforce in a Sentence

Police will be enforcing the parking ban.
the duty of the police is to enforce the law

Recent Examples of enforce from the Web

Replacing the Ministry for Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Ecological Environment will set China's future environmental policies as well as ensuring they are properly enforced.

— ben westcott, CNN, "Xi Jinping is making sweeping changes to how China is run," 16 Mar. 2018
It was also communicated that the district’s Code of Conduct would be enforced.

— valerie strauss, Washington Post, "N.Y. governor says schools should drop any punishment given to kids who joined gun violence protests," 16 Mar. 2018
Other types of pedestrian traffic violations also tend to be enforced more heavily against black residents.

— matt ford, The New Republic, "The Case Against Jaywalking Laws," 12 Mar. 2018
Individual governments can mandate how to what extent that requirement is enforced and conservationists say this is a major loophole.

— National Geographic, "How Illegal Fishing Is Being Tracked From Space," 12 Mar. 2018
But Wertheimer said that rule is not enforced by the IRS.

— maureen groppe, Indianapolis Star, "Mysterious outside group with ties to Pence associates helping Rep. Luke Messer's Senate bid," 9 Mar. 2018
As in recent years, fines for open alcohol containers are expected to be enforced.

— elvia malagon, chicagotribune.com, "Ready, set, parade: It's St. Patrick's Day week in Chicago," 8 Mar. 2018
Internet service providers had also lobbied the Legislature not to pass the bill, arguing consumer protections could be enforced by a separate national agency, the Federal Trade Commission.

— tribune news service, OregonLive.com, "Washington governor signs sweeping net neutrality bill," 6 Mar. 2018
Miller said like any student trying to transfer into the school district, residency and grade requirements will be enforced.

— perry a. farrell, Detroit Free Press, "Rod Oden hired as new football coach at Harper Woods High School," 1 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enforce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of enforce

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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enforce Synonyms

ENFORCE Defined for English Language Learners

enforce

verb

Definition of enforce for English Language Learners

: to make (a law, rule, etc.) active or effective : to make sure that people do what is required by (a law, rule, etc.)
: to make (something) happen : to force or cause (something)