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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stricter Cybersecurity Regulations: Governments will enforce stricter compliance standards, making cybersecurity a top priority across industries. Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 As the holidays approach, family photographers should keep in mind one fact − copyright laws do exist, and they can be enforced. Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024 In 2013, in a move that activists hailed as a step toward ending prohibition, his Department of Justice issued the Cole Memorandum, which stated that federal marijuana laws would no longer be enforced at the state level. Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 8 Dec. 2024 The justices are reviewing a 2023 ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, which allowed Tennessee to enforce its law while litigation continues. arkansasonline.com, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enforce 

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 13 Dec. 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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