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Definition of enforce

enforce

/ɪnˈfɔːrs/
en · force
Adjective:enforceable
•
Past Simple:enforced
•
Past Participle:enforced
•
Present Participle:enforcing
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enforce Lexical Profile

enforce Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To compel observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation.

Example

"Local authorities work diligently to enforce traffic regulations in school zones."

2

To cause something to happen by necessity or force; to impose a condition or state upon someone.

Example

"The referee had to enforce silence among the spectators before the match could resume."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for enforce

• Nearby Words

enfevered
enfix
enfold
enforce
enforceability
enforceable
enforcement

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English enforcen, borrowed from Old French enforcier ('to strengthen, compel'), from Vulgar Latin *infortiare, derived from Latin in- ('in, into') + fortis ('strong').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Enforce. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/enforce
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