Word
enforce
Meanings
to make sure that a law, rule, or agreement is obeyed
to make someone do something by using authority, pressure, or the threat of punishment
Definition
To enforce means to make sure a rule, law, or decision is obeyed, often by using authority or penalties.
To enforce something is to ensure it is followed in practice, not just written down or announced. It often involves monitoring behavior and taking action when people do not comply. Authorities, organizations, and managers can enforce laws, policies, or standards to maintain order and fairness.
Examples
- The council plans to enforce the new parking restrictions more consistently across the city.
- I had to enforce my own deadline, even when the team asked for extra time.
- The school will enforce its code of conduct during the trip to prevent problems.
- They enforce strict quality checks to ensure every device leaves the factory in working order.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "enforce" (make a rule obeyed) with "force" (use physical or strong pressure to make someone do something).
More at C1 level
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More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.