Enforce: The Word That Puts Force Behind a Rule
To enforce is to make a rule actually operate. A rule that nobody enforces is only a suggestion, and the word says why.
To enforce a law, a rule or an agreement is to make people follow it, with consequences behind the demand. *Force* sits in the middle of the word for a reason: enforcement is what separates a rule from a wish.
- To make people obey a rule. *Enforce the speed limit.*
- To make something happen by pressure. *Enforced silence.*
- To carry out a legal right. *The clause is hard to enforce.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | enforce | Enforce the ban. |
| Past | enforced | Strictly enforced. |
| Noun | enforcement | Law enforcement. |
| Adjective | enforceable | An enforceable contract. |
| Person | enforcer | The party's enforcer. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The rule exists but nobody enforces it.The standard complaint about dead rules.
- Parking restrictions are enforced by camera.Enforced by names the method.
- An unfair term may not be enforceable in court.Enforceable is the legal test.
Nearby verbs
- Enforce — make a rule operate
- Impose — put a rule or burden in place
- Apply — use a rule in a case
- Uphold — confirm a decision or principle
- Police — watch and correct behaviour continuously
From Old French *enforcier*, to strengthen, from Latin *fortis*, strong — the same root as *fort*, *effort* and *comfort*. The original English sense was to strengthen; making others obey came later.
What does enforceable mean in a contract?
That a court would order the parties to keep to it. Some clauses are void, or too vague, and cannot be enforced even if both sides signed.
Enforce or reinforce?
Enforce is about obedience. Reinforce is about strengthening: reinforce a wall, reinforce a point.