en·force
(ĕn-fôrs′)tr.v. en·forced, en·forc·ing, en·forc·es
1. To compel observance of or obedience to: enforce a law.
2. To impose (a kind of behavior, for example): enforce military discipline.
3. To give force to; reinforce: "enforces its plea with a description of the pains of hell" (Albert C. Baugh).
[Middle English enforcen, from Old French enforcier, to exert force, compel, and from enforcir, to strengthen : en-, causative pref.; see en-1 + force, strength; see force.]
en·force′a·bil′i·ty n.
en·force′a·ble adj.
en·force′ment n.
en·forc′er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
en•forc•er
(ɛnˈfɔr sər, -ˈfoʊr-)n.
1. a person or thing that enforces.
2. a member of a group, esp. a gang, charged with keeping dissident members obedient.
[1570–80]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
enforcer - one whose job it is to execute unpleasant tasks for a superior