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

Some enforcers have stretched it that far regardless, which is exactly what the states are leaning on. — Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Schweihs, who according to authorities spent decades as a reputed enforcer for the mob’s Grand Avenue street crew, died of cancer in 2008 while awaiting trial. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for enforcer

• endorser
• indorser
• coarser
• courser
• reinforcer