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

By evening, hundreds were there for a vigil to mourn the death and urge the public to resist immigration enforcers. —Tim Sullivan, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026

He is widely viewed as a loyal enforcer of the regime, combining ideological militancy with control over security and logistics. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, considered an enforcer for Maduro, reportedly appeared on state television wearing a bulletproof vest and sounded defiant. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Jan. 2026

The Ducks were without captain Radko Gudas (illness), enforcer Ross Johnston (illness) and winger Frank Vatrano (shoulder). —Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for enforcer

• endorser
• indorser
• coarser
• courser
• reinforcer