ENGLISH
REFERENCE

enforced

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɛnˈfɔɹst// UK //ɛnfˈɔːst// en·forced

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 teacher, makes people obey.

v. to compel observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation. Transitive — requires a direct object, typically a regulation or a standard.


SIMPLE

The police enforced the new speed limit strictly.

CONTEXTUAL

The school principal enforced a strict no-phone policy during lunch breaks to encourage students to socialize more.

COMPLEX

While the treaty was signed by all participating nations, it remained largely symbolic because no international body had the authority to ensure its terms were actually enforced.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used in the passive voice ('is enforced') when the focus is on the rule rather than the authority.

Pitfall

The police enforced to the lawThe police enforced the lawEnforce is a transitive verb; it takes a direct object immediately without the preposition 'to'.

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