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enforce

v.
US //ɛnˈfɔɹs// UK //ɛnfˈɔːs// en·force
  1. 1 to apply a law or rule (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    to make sure that a law or rule is obeyed by everyone.

    to compel obedience to a law, regulation, or command. Transitive — requires a direct object such as 'law', 'rule', or 'policy'.

    Example

    The local government decided to enforce the new parking rules more strictly.

    Example

    Regulatory bodies must have the necessary resources to enforce environmental standards effectively across the industrial sector.

    Usage

    Commonly used with objects like 'law', 'rule', 'regulation', 'policy', or 'ban'.
    Pitfall
    The police enforced to the new speed limit.
    The police enforced the new speed limit.

    Enforce is a transitive verb; it takes a direct object without a preposition.

  2. 2 to make something happen (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    to force a particular situation or action to happen.

    to impose a condition or to ensure a particular outcome through the exercise of authority.

    Example

    The teacher had to enforce a period of silence so the students could focus.

    Example

    The treaty was designed to enforce a lasting peace between the two warring factions by establishing a neutral buffer zone.

    Usage

    Often used when an authority figure requires a specific behavior or state of affairs.
Origin

From Middle English enforcen, from Old French enforcier, from Late Latin infortiāre, from in- + fortis (“strong”).

Word family

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