View synonyms for enforce

enforce

[ en-fawrs, -fohrs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.
Synonyms: apply, execute, impose, administer
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.

enforce

/ ɪnˈfɔːsɪdlɪ; ɪnˈfɔːs /

verb

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)

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Derived Forms

enˌforceaˈbility, noun
enˈforcer, noun
enˈforcement, noun
enforcedly, adverb
enˈforceable, adjective

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Other Words From

en·forcea·ble adjective
en·forcea·bili·ty noun
en·forc·ed·ly [en-, fawr, -sid-lee, -, fohr, -], adverb
en·forcer noun
en·forcive adjective
half-en·forced adjective
nonen·forcea·ble adjective
nonen·forced adjective
nonen·forced·ly adverb
nonen·forcing adjective
preen·force verb (used with object) preenforced preenforcing
quasi-en·forced adjective
unen·forcea·bili·ty noun
unen·forcea·ble adjective
unen·forced adjective
unen·forced·ly adverb
well-en·forced adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of enforce¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English enforcen, from Anglo-French enforcer, Old French enforcier, enforc(ir), from en- en- ¹ + forci(e)r “to compel, strengthen” ( force )

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