enact
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to officially make a proposed bill or rule into a law.
to establish a bill or decree as law through a formal legislative process. Transitive — requires a direct object such as 'law', 'legislation', or 'reform'.
Simple“The government plans to enact new laws to protect the environment next year.”
In context“The legislature moved swiftly to enact the emergency measures, ensuring that the new regulations took effect before the end of the fiscal quarter.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
to perform a story, a play, or a specific action.
to represent or perform a role, scene, or action as if in a play. Often used in the context of 're-enacting' historical events.
Simple“The children decided to enact a scene from their favourite book for the class.”
In context“The historical society gathered every summer to enact the famous battle, using period-accurate costumes and equipment to educate the public.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
to put a plan or a suggestion into action.
to carry out or put into practice a particular plan, idea, or policy.
Simple“It is time for the company to enact the changes we discussed in the meeting.”
In context“The board of directors struggled to enact the proposed structural reforms due to significant resistance from the regional managers.”
“If Meta did enact such changes, it would mark a significant alteration to the experience of its platforms.”
“Six states had already enacted new laws, while others had considered or failed to pass similar measures.”
From Middle English enacten, from en-, from Old French en- (“to cause to be”), from Latin in- (“in”) and Old French acte (“perform, do”), from Latin actum, past participle of ago (“set in motion”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.