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

So his pairing with Chandler, who was an enforcer in the paint, worked because there was the necessary spacing. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

In the eastern Indian state of Bihar, landlords used club-wielding enforcers known as lathaits to keep Dalits, members of the most oppressed caste, out of polling booths. — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026

Any Tesla-SpaceX merger could also get examined by global antitrust enforcers for its impacts on overseas auto, AI, and aerospace industries. — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026

King plays Sheriff Tanya Green, Stillwater’s relentless chief enforcer — compact, unpredictable and sharp as a blade. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for enforcer

• endorser
• indorser
• coarser
• courser
• reinforcer