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
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has shown a willingness to play the role of enforcer in college sports when misconduct crosses criminal lines.
—
Robert L. Boone, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2026
That meant a free throw for Denver; Nnaji was rewarded for playing the enforcer.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Quick-Draw Mike (James Marsden) is tired of being a criminal enforcer and taking out people who don’t pay up.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Another of Fisk’s enforcers, the British ex-military Buck Cashman (Arty Froushan), comes into his suavely despicable own.
—Bob Strauss, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enforcer
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Robert L. Boone, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2026
That meant a free throw for Denver; Nnaji was rewarded for playing the enforcer.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Quick-Draw Mike (James Marsden) is tired of being a criminal enforcer and taking out people who don’t pay up.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Another of Fisk’s enforcers, the British ex-military Buck Cashman (Arty Froushan), comes into his suavely despicable own.
—Bob Strauss, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enforcer
Cite this Entry
“Enforcer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enforcer. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
