enforce
v.v. to make sure that people follow a rule or a law. You use this when someone in power, like a police officer or a boss, makes people obey the rules.
v. to compel observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation. Transitive; requires a direct object representing the regulation or standard being upheld.
The police are here to enforce the speed limit.
The school administration decided to strictly enforce the new dress code starting this semester.
Regulatory agencies must have the necessary resources to enforce environmental standards, otherwise the legislation remains a mere symbolic gesture without practical impact.
From Middle English enforcen, from Old French enforcier, from Late Latin infortiāre, from in- + fortis (“strong”).
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is frequently used in passive constructions when the focus is on the rule being applied.