# enacting

/ɛˈnæktɪŋ/ (US) · /ɛnˈæktɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enacting
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to make a suggestion or a plan into an official law. It can also mean to perform a story or an action.

For teachers: to establish a law or regulation by formal legislative process; to represent or perform a role or narrative on stage.

## Examples

- The government is enacting new laws to protect the environment.
- By enacting these reforms, the council hopes to reduce traffic congestion in the city center.
- The legislative body spent months debating the bill before finally enacting the statute that would overhaul the nation's healthcare system.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The law was enacting by the king." but "The law was enacted by the king." — Learners sometimes confuse the present participle '-ing' with the past participle '-ed' when forming the passive voice.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a law, role, or plan.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.