enforce

verb

en·​force in-ˈfȯrs How to pronounce enforce (audio)
en-
enforced; enforcing; enforces

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
enforceability noun
enforceable adjective
enforcement noun

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 on the Web Prosecutors then petitioned the Sixth District court, which issued a stay to prevent Deen’s ruling from being enforced pending its review. Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 The Sierra Club is calling for the SEC to enforce the climate law as it was passed, and also revisit the terms and consider strengthening it. Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2024 Smith’s birthplace of West Virginia, home to the nation’s highest opioid death rate, has enforced a moratorium on new methadone clinics since 2007. Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Mar. 2024 The city also said the KCSO understands that the code cannot be enforced without first verifying that a shelter, bed or treatment facility is available. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2024 In addition to the probation, a jail sentence of four months was stayed, but could be enforced if Schroeder violates the terms of his probation. Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 No Texting policy will be enforced so guests can watch films free from distractions. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 In the late 1870s, Southern states start enacting Jim Crow laws that enforce segregation in public transportation, schools, parks, cemeteries, theaters and restaurants. Emma Kumer, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 Four justices took issue with the majority saying Congress must pass legislation to enforce disqualification under Section 3. Gillian Brassil, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enforce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enforce was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near enforce

Cite this Entry

“Enforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enforce. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

enforce

verb
en·​force in-ˈfō(ə)rs How to pronounce enforce (audio)
-ˈfȯ(ə)rs
1
: to bring about by force : compel
enforce obedience
2
: to carry out effectively
enforce the law
enforceable adjective
enforcement noun
enforcer noun

Legal Definition

enforce

transitive verb
en·​force
enforced; enforcing
: to cause to take effect or to be fulfilled
enforcing the divorce decree
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislationU.S. Constitution amend. XIX

More from Merriam-Webster on enforce

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