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 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

The return of the enforcers The 49ers brought back receiver Deebo Samuel after his one-year hiatus with the Washington Commanders. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Latinos have been not only frequent targets of nativism and xenophobic violence but also supporters — regularly enforcers — of it. — Eladio Bobadilla, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026

The episode traces Danton’s rise from one of Canada’s top young hockey prospects to an NHL enforcer known for his physical style of play. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for enforcer

• endorser
• indorser
• coarser
• courser
• reinforcer