enforce

verb

en·​force in-ˈfȯrs 

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

in-ˌfȯr-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

en-

noun

enforceable

in-ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

en-

adjective

enforcement

in-ˈfȯr-smənt 

en-

noun

Synonyms of enforce

• implement
• apply

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

Apple has argued that its App Store and in-app purchase requirements are designed to increase trust and safety and enforce issues around security and inappropriate apps. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

The Civil Rights Division is responsible for enforcing federal laws that protect eligible voters and address other violations of federal voting rights. — Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026

The nation has recently enacted some of the region's most stringent technology restrictions, enforcing strict device controls in schools alongside a sweeping ban on high-risk digital platforms for those under 16. — Erin Mote, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

But other provisions more punitive to local government and homeless service providers could enforce solutions that do not solve the problem, officials say. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing enforce

• enforce the law

Rhymes for enforce

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• indorse
• midcourse
• outsource
• perforce
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse
• workforce
• workhorse

Kids Definition

enforce

verb

en·​force in-ˈfō(ə)rs 

-ˈfȯ(ə)rs

1

: to bring about by force : compel

enforce obedience

2

: to carry out effectively

enforce the law

enforceable

-ˈfōr-sə-bəl 

-fȯr-

adjective

enforcement

-ˈfōr-smənt 

-fȯr-

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 legislation

—U.S. Constitution amend. XIX