enforce

verb

USin-FORS/ɪnˈfoɹs/UKin-FAWS/ɪnˈfɔːs/

Formsenforces, enforcing, enforced

11 meanings of enforce

Practice

1
verbtransitive
To make sure a rule or law is obeyed.
Like a referee making sure players follow the rules of the game.
Police enforce the speed limit on this stretch of road.
The teacher enforces the no-phone rule very strictly.
Similarimpose, apply, implement, uphold, police
Oppositewaive, relax, ignore
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2
verbtransitive
To make a statement or point stronger.
Like adding more bricks to make a wall stronger.
She enforced her argument with clear, real examples.
Good evidence can enforce a claim during a debate.
Similarreinforce, strengthen, bolster, support, underscore
Oppositeweaken, undermine
3
verbobsolete
To force someone to do something.
Like a strong push that makes someone do what they would rather not.
The press-gang enforced the young men to serve aboard the warship.
In a few minutes I was stealthily groping my way down my own staircase, with a box of matches in my hand, enforced by scientific curiosity, but none the less armed with a stick.
1899, E. OE. Somerville, Martin RossHere, enforced means driven or made to act, pushed by curiosity.
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4
verbobsoletetransitive
To make a castle or town stronger by adding soldiers or walls.
Like adding more locks and guards to make a house safer.
The lord ordered his men to enforce the castle before winter.
They enforced the town with fresh soldiers and higher walls.
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5
verbobsoletetransitive
To make something stronger or give it more force.
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6
verbobsolete
To make someone or something stronger and full of energy.
Like a good night's sleep that makes you feel full of energy again.
Rest and good food enforce the body after a long illness.
The fresh mountain air enforced her tired spirits.
Note
7
verbobsolete
To push a point hard or keep urging something strongly.
In this point charge him home, that he affects / Tyrannical power: if he evade us there, / Enforce him with his envy to the people, / And that the spoil got on the Antiates / Was ne’er distributed.
c. 1608, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Coriolanus”Here, enforce means press him hard, stressing his hatred of the people.
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8
verbobsolete
To get or make something by using force.
Like pushing your way through a crowd to reach the front.
The soldiers enforce a path through the crowded gate.
The rebels enforced their way into the castle.
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9
verbobsolete
To make something move or act by using force.
Like pushing a heavy cart hard to get it rolling.
The herders enforce the cattle forward with shouts and whips.
If they’ll do neither, we will come to them, / And make them skirr away, as swift as stones / Enforced from the old Assyrian slings:
1599, William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”Here, enforced means thrown hard and fast, driven forward by force.
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10
verbobsoletereflexive
To push yourself hard and make a great effort.
Like trying your very hardest to lift something too heavy.
The runners enforce themselves to reach the distant peak.
I pray you enforce youreselff at that justis that ye may be beste, for my love.
1470, Thomas Malory, Le Morte DarthurHere, enforce yourself means try hard or push yourself to do your best.
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11
verbobsolete
To show that something is true.
Note

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Origin

From Old French enforcier, based on Latin fortis meaning "strong."