enforcer

noun

en·​forc·​er in-ˈfȯr-sər 

en-

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

Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij paramilitary are the enforcers and protectors of the ruling regime in Tehran, not the regular national army, known in Iran as the Artesh. —Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Over that time, Bovino has drawn criticism from those who view the administration's immigration tactics as overly harsh and its response to protests heavy-handed — and plaudits from many supporters of the president who view him as a no-nonsense enforcer of his deportation campaign. —Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026

Washington is acting as a facilitator, not an enforcer. —Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026

While hardly an enforcer, with just one flagrant foul and no technical fouls over these first two NBA seasons, the toughness continues to win over the locker room. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for enforcer

• endorser
• indorser
• coarser
• courser
• reinforcer