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

Pennsylvania is the Keystone State, and except for Reacher’s ally, Detective Tamara Green, the law enforcers of its most populous city are depicted in this chapter as the Keystone Cops. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026

If Carrick elects to pair Baleba with Mainoo, Baleba can take on the role of hard-running physical enforcer for the academy graduate, allowing Mainoo to focus on ball-progression duties. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Breakout gay hockey drama Heated Rivalry is continuing to add to its season two cast, with Daniel Diemer set to play Ryan Price, a tough guy enforcer battling anxiety off the ice. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026

The former Knicks enforcer attended several road playoff games en route to New York's first NBA championship in over 50 years. — Austin Perry, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for enforcer

• endorser
• indorser
• coarser
• courser
• reinforcer