# enforce

/ɛnˈfɔɹs/ (US) · /ɛnfˈɔːs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enforce
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to apply a law or rule

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

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

### 2. to make something happen

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

to force a particular situation or action to happen.

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

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

## Examples

- 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.

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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.