noun
Common
enforcement
ihn-FAWSMNT
Enforcement (noun) means the act of making sure a law, rule, or agreement is followed. Example: “Law enforcement stepped up patrols after the incident.”
noun
1
The act of making sure a law, rule, or agreement is followed.
"Law enforcement stepped up patrols after the incident."
"The new policy requires stricter enforcement."
"Parking enforcement in the town centre is carried out by council officers on foot."
How to use enforcement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe action of making sure rules or laws are actually followed.
Common pairings
law enforcement
enforcement action
enforcement agency
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like enforcement.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- enforcements
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Law _____ stepped up patrols after the incident.
Etymology
From Old French enforcement, from enforce plus -ment.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for enforcement
cement
element
clement
movement
pavement
tenement
inclement
abatement
amusement
statement
agreement
excrement
See all rhymes for enforcement →
Frequently asked questions
What does “enforcement” mean?
The word “enforcement” means the act of making sure a law, rule, or agreement is followed. In plain terms, the action of making sure rules or laws are actually followed.
How do you pronounce “enforcement”?
“Enforcement” is pronounced ihn-FAWSMNT (/ɪnˈfoɹsm(ə)nt/ in IPA).
How do you use “enforcement” in a sentence?
Here is “enforcement” used in a sentence: “Law enforcement stepped up patrols after the incident.”
What part of speech is “enforcement”?
“Enforcement” is a noun.
Where does the word “enforcement” come from?
The word “enforcement” comes from Old French. From Old French enforcement, from enforce plus -ment.
Is “enforcement” a common word?
“Enforcement” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is an example of enforcement?
Police issuing speeding tickets is a clear example of enforcement, since they are making sure a traffic law is obeyed. Other examples include a referee applying the rules of a game, or a regulator fining a company that breaks safety standards. Enforcement always involves upholding rules.
What are the types of enforcement?
Common types include law enforcement, carried out by police and courts; regulatory enforcement, used by agencies overseeing industries; and contract enforcement, which ensures parties honor an agreement. There is also self-enforcement, where rules are followed voluntarily. Each type shares the goal of making sure standards are met.
What is the difference between enforcement and implementation?
Implementation means putting a law or plan into effect for the first time, while enforcement means making sure people continue to follow it afterward. You implement a rule by introducing it; you enforce it by monitoring compliance and acting against violations. One sets it up, the other sustains it.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include enforcement:
