enforcer

noun en·forc·er \ in-ˈfȯr-sər , en- \

|Updated on: 8 Aug 2018

Definition of enforcer

1 : one that enforces

2 a : a violent criminal employed by a crime syndicate; especially : hit man 1

b : player (as in ice hockey) known for rough play and fighting

Recent Examples of enforcer from the Web

Bush thought back to his first term, when his son had volunteered to play the enforcer role for his father.

— neil swidey, BostonGlobe.com, "How Democrats would be better off if Bill Clinton had never been president," 10 July 2018
Brazilian midfield enforcer Casemiro has boldly claimed that Barcelona star Sergio Busquets is the best central midfielder in the world.

— SI.com, "Brazil Star Casemiro Names Best Central Midfielder in the World Ahead of World Cup Last 16," 30 June 2018
Antitrust enforcers at the Federal Communications Commission and Justice Department, not Congress, have authority over the deal, meaning Wednesday’s testimony had more bearing on public perception than on the deal’s legal status.

— drew fitzgerald, WSJ, "T-Mobile, Sprint Bosses Defend Wireless Merger," 27 June 2018
Mnangagwa, a former justice and defense minister who served for decades as Mugabe’s enforcer, has invited Western election observers for the first time in almost two decades.

— farai mutsaka, USA TODAY, "A ‘cowardly act:’ Authorities say explosion was assassination attempt on Zimbabwe leader," 23 June 2018
The company is also one of the carmakers being investigated by European Union antitrust enforcers about possible collusion to limit antipollution equipment’s effectiveness to reduce costs.

— jack ewing, New York Times, "Diesel Scandal Deepens as German Authorities Target Audi Chief and Daimler," 11 June 2018
The question now is whether antitrust enforcers will go along with the deal.

— scott moritz and nabila ahmed, chicagotribune.com, "T-Mobile, Sprint CEOs turn from rivals to kindred spirits," 30 Apr. 2018
If Macron represented a friendly, if assertive, voice on matters of deep European concern, Merkel is prepared to act as the stern enforcer on issues like trade and the Iran nuclear deal, even if expectations of swaying Trump remain low.

— kevin liptak, CNN, "Trump's backslapping diplomacy gives way to sterner talks with Merkel," 27 Apr. 2018
Teams play an eight-game schedule on Wednesdays, with four teams making the semifinals before a championship game to play for The John Scott Cup, named for the former enforcer and 2016 NHL All-Star Game MVP.

— michael blinn, SI.com, "NHLer-Laden Da Beauty League Returns for Third Season of Summer Hockey," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enforcer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.