Enforce — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈfȯrs/ en·force

Meaning & Definition of Enforce

Enforce (verb)

  1. to give force to, strengthen
  2. to urge with energy
  3. constrain, compel

Enforce (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to carry out effectively

    "the duty of the police is to enforce the law"

    similar: administer, apply, execute, implement
    related: bring about, effect, effectuate, discharge, fulfill, render, cite, invoke, enact, legislate, honor, observe, uphold, prosecute, promulgate
    near: disregard, ignore, neglect

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Enforce

The most common words with a similar meaning to Enforce:

administer, apply, execute, implement

Related Words for Enforce

bring about, effect, effectuate, discharge, fulfill, render, cite, invoke, enact, legislate, honor, observe, uphold, prosecute, promulgate

Near Antonyms of Enforce

disregard, ignore, neglect

Word Forms of Enforce

Inflections: enforced, enforcing, enforces

Derived words: enforceability (noun), enforceable (adjective), enforcement (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Enforce

Middle English, from Anglo-French enforcer, from en- + force force

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Enforce

Words & Phrases Containing Enforce

enforce the law

Frequently Asked Questions about Enforce

What does "Enforce" mean?

"Enforce" means to give force to, strengthen. As a verb, it is defined as: to give force to, strengthen.

What is another word for "Enforce"?

Other words for "Enforce" include administer, apply, execute and implement. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Enforce" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Enforce"?

There are 19 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Enforce". Common alternatives include administer, apply, execute and implement.

How do you use "Enforce" in a sentence?

Examples of "Enforce" in a sentence: "the duty of the police is to enforce the law".

Is "Enforce" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Enforce" is a verb.

Is "Enforce" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Enforce" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Enforce"?

"Enforce" is pronounced /in-ˈfȯrs/ and divided into syllables as en·force.

What is the origin of the word "Enforce"?

"Enforce" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French enforcer, from en- + force force. First known use: 14th century.