enforcer

noun

en·​forc·​er in-ˈfȯr-sər How to pronounce enforcer (audio)
en-
Synonyms of enforcernext
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
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Mike and his brothers had an affinity for Frazier and also loved the Knicks’ enforcer, Dave DeBusschere, whom young Mike thought was the second toughest man in town, after his dad. Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 29 May 2026 Former Bruins enforcer Lyndon Byers, who died in 2025 at the age of 61, suffered from stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026 Robinson is New York’s rim protector and glass-cleaner, a vertical spacing threat and emotional enforcer all-in-one. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026 There were efforts by some law enforcers involved in the killings to evade accountability. ABC News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for enforcer

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enforcer was in 1580

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Cite this Entry

“Enforcer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enforcer. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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