enforce

verb

en·​force in-ˈfȯrs How to pronounce enforce (audio)
en-
enforced; enforcing; enforces
Synonyms of enforce

transitive verb

1
: to give force to : strengthen
2
: to urge with energy
enforce arguments
3
: constrain, compel
enforce obedience
4
obsolete : to effect or gain by force
5
: to carry out effectively
enforce laws
enforceability
in-ˌfȯr-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce enforce (audio)
en-
noun
enforceable
in-ˈfȯr-sə-bəl How to pronounce enforce (audio)
en-
adjective
enforcement
in-ˈfȯr-smənt How to pronounce enforce (audio)
en-
noun

Synonyms of enforce

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Examples of enforce in a Sentence

Police will be enforcing the parking ban. the duty of the police is to enforce the law
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni issued the most blunt criticism of Sanchez, as well as announcing that Italy would enforce air and sea border controls with Spain. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Currently, 13 states are enforcing bans at all stages of pregnancy, with some exceptions. — Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 To enforce a traditional blockade, China would likely need to fire its weapons. — Eugene Gholz, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026 The fact that the process is voluntary raises questions about how the administration will enforce it. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enforce

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enforcer, from en- + force force

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enforce was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing enforce

Rhymes for enforce

See All Rhymes for enforce

Browse Nearby Words

enfoldment
enforce
enforceability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enforce. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

enforce

verb
en·​force in-ˈfō(ə)rs How to pronounce enforce (audio)
-ˈfȯ(ə)rs
1
: to bring about by force : compel
enforce obedience
2
: to carry out effectively
enforce the law
enforceable
-ˈfōr-sə-bəl How to pronounce enforce (audio)
-fȯr-
adjective
enforcement
-ˈfōr-smənt How to pronounce enforce (audio)
-fȯr-
noun
enforcer noun

Legal Definition

enforce

transitive verb
en·​force
enforced; enforcing
: to cause to take effect or to be fulfilled
enforcing the divorce decree
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation—U.S. Constitution amend. XIX

More from Merriam-Webster on enforce

Nglish: Translation of enforce for Spanish Speakers

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