enforcer

noun

en·​forc·​er in-ˈfȯr-sər How to pronounce enforcer (audio)
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
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And since many immigration agents typically do not wear body cameras — a point of contention that has at times led to intense friction among the enforcers themselves — there has often been scant ability to verify competing narratives following use of force incidents. Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025 Years later, after living a decade in prison, Bukotsu is recruited for the Kodoku by Sakura (Yasushi Fuchigami), also a former samurai and Kawaji’s chief enforcer. Kayti Burt, Time, 13 Nov. 2025 Loomer, who is thirty-two, casts herself as the President’s chief loyalty enforcer. Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025 Stark served as Stratus's enforcer during her feud with Becky Lynch. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 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 20 Nov. 2025.

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