enforce

[ en-fawrs, -fohrs ]
/ ɛnˈfɔrs, -ˈfoʊrs /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR enforce ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), en·forced, en·forc·ing.

to put or keep in force; compel obedience to: to enforce a rule; Traffic laws will be strictly enforced.
to obtain (payment, obedience, etc.) by force or compulsion.
to impose (a course of action) upon a person: The doctor enforced a strict dietary regimen.
to support (a demand, claim, etc.) by force: to enforce one's rights as a citizen.
to impress or urge (an argument, contention, etc.) forcibly; lay stress upon: He enforced his argument by adding details.

Origin of enforce

1275–1325; Middle English enforcen < Anglo-French enforcer, Old French enforcier, enforc(ir), equivalent to en- en-1 + forci(e)r to force

OTHER WORDS FROM enforce

Words nearby enforce

enfin, enflame, enfleurage, enflurane, enfold, enforce, enforcement, enforcer, enfranchise, eng, eng.

Words related to enforce

prosecute, accomplish, invoke, require, impose, administer, reinforce, sanction, apply, implement, exert, wrest, commandeer, necessitate, coerce, fortify, expect, dictate, hound, whip

Example sentences from the Web for enforce

British Dictionary definitions for enforce

enforce
/ (ɪnˈfɔːs) /

verb (tr)

to ensure observance of or obedience to (a law, decision, etc)
to impose (obedience, loyalty, etc) by or as by force
to emphasize or reinforce (an argument, demand, etc)

Derived forms of enforce