enforce

[en-fawrs, -fohrs] / ɛnˈfɔrs, -ˈfoʊrs /

VERB

put a rule, plan in force

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accomplish administer apply carry out implement impose invoke prosecute reinforce require sanction

STRONG

administrate coerce commandeer compel constrain demand dictate discharge dragoon drive effect emphasize exact execute exert expect extort fortify fulfill goad hound impel incite lash make necessitate oblige perform press spur strain stress strong-arm support urge whip wrest

WEAK

crack down egg on force upon insist on lean on put into effect put screws to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease halt not finish refuse stop

STRONG

check delay deter disapprove discourage dissuade fail forget give ignore leave alone let go lose miss neglect prevent release repress

WEAK

abandon disregard drop forego give up overlook

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“What we need to focus on much more is pressuring our government to enforce our laws,” he said in a recent interview.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Accessing restricted/geo-blocked content Streaming services, for example, are required to enforce geo-restrictions on the content they provide.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

Others, however, warn that the fluid nature of filmmaking makes rigid eight-hour shifts "unreal" to enforce on mega-budget sets.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

He has talked about moving them to federal lands and vowed to ensure that police enforce all the city’s laws.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

“Are you saying you’re going to enforce this change, whatever it is you have in mind?”

From "Adrift" by Paul Griffin

Vocabulary lists containing enforce

Stay Strong: Forc and Fort

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13th Amendment (1865)

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19th Amendment (1920)

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