enforce
ihn-FAWS
Enforce (verb) means to make sure a law, rule, or requirement is obeyed. Example: “Parking wardens enforce the rules on this street every weekday morning.”
verb
1
To make sure a law, rule, or requirement is obeyed.
"Parking wardens enforce the rules on this street every weekday morning."
"Police enforce traffic laws throughout the city."
"The school strictly enforces its dress code."
How to use enforce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make people follow a rule or law, often using authority or penalties.
Common pairings
enforce the law
enforce a rule
strictly enforced
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- enforces
- Past tense
- enforced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Parking wardens _____ the rules on this street every weekday morning.
Etymology
From Old French enforcier, from Late Latin infortiare, from in- + fortis ("strong") — literally "to make strong."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for enforce
See all rhymes for enforce →Frequently asked questions
What does “enforce” mean?
The word “enforce” means to make sure a law, rule, or requirement is obeyed. In plain terms, to make people follow a rule or law, often using authority or penalties.
How do you pronounce “enforce”?
“Enforce” is pronounced ihn-FAWS (/ɪnˈfoɹs/ in IPA).
How do you use “enforce” in a sentence?
Here is “enforce” used in a sentence: “Police enforce traffic laws throughout the city.”
What part of speech is “enforce”?
“Enforce” is a verb.
Where does the word “enforce” come from?
The word “enforce” comes from Late Latin. From Old French enforcier, from Late Latin infortiare, from in- + fortis ("strong") — literally "to make strong.".
Is “enforce” a common word?
“Enforce” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between enforce and reinforce?
Despite the similar spelling, these words are unrelated. "Enforce" means to make sure a law or rule is obeyed, while "reinforce" means to strengthen or support something.
What is the difference between enforce and force?
To enforce is to make sure a law, rule, or requirement is followed, and its object is usually a rule or standard. To force is to make a person do something against their will, and its object is usually a person or an action.
What words commonly follow enforce?
Enforce typically takes an object such as a law, rule, ban, policy, regulation, contract, or standard, as in "enforce the law" or "enforce a curfew." You enforce a rule on or against people rather than enforcing the people themselves.
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