enforcer

noun en·forc·er \ in-ˈfȯr-sər , en- \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 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

And in most of these contests, the nominal moderates were women, who are typically hard to paint as heavy-handed law enforcers.

— rachel swan, San Francisco Chronicle, "Why challenges to district attorneys in state fell short," 6 June 2018
Kendrick Perkins, a noted NBA enforcer who wasn’t on the Cavaliers’ roster and watched the game in street clothes, was shouting and pointing at Kevin Durant.

— bruce jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "Game 1 an overtime thriller for Warriors," 31 May 2018
Yes, the Trump administration—our government—has enacted the shiny, new policy of ICE and CBP enforcers tearing screaming children, some as young as 53 weeks, from their crying parents' arms.

— mari uyehara, GQ, "What Trump Really Means When He Talks About Migrant Children, MS-13, and "Animals"," 30 May 2018
Both Romos also testified that Robert Romo was rewarded by being made a full Bandidos member earlier than is normal and that he was made a part of a squad called the Fat Mexican Crew, tasked as enforcers for the Bandidos’ national chapter.

— guillermo contreras, San Antonio Express-News, "Ex-Bandido cries as he tells how he ended life of Hells Angels member," 21 Mar. 2018
Cigna will probably win approval for the takeover from enforcers, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Jennifer Rie said.

— Bloomberg.com, "Cigna to Draw Antitrust Scrutiny Amid Health-Care Deal Wave," 9 Mar. 2018
There is also speculation that Ancelotti would ask for Bayern enforcer Arturo Vidal.

— SI.com, "Carlo Ancelotti Close to Becoming Napoli Coach Following 3-Hour Meeting With Club President," 23 May 2018
Only this enforcer isn’t riding in from Washington or Beacon Hill, but from Brussels.

— hiawatha bray, BostonGlobe.com, "EU’s new data-privacy rule will be felt by many Americans, too," 23 May 2018
Living in a country founded on the hierarchal premise of capitalism comes with the privilege of having a dedicated system of laws and enforcers intent on protecting the property, lives and feelings of one class over another.

— michael harriot, The Root, "‘White Caller Crime’: The Worst Wypipo Police Calls of All Time," 15 May 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.