enforced; enforcing; enforces
1
: to give force to : strengthen
2
: to urge with energy
enforce arguments
4
obsolete
: to effect or gain by force
5
: to carry out effectively
enforce laws
Examples of enforce in a Sentence
Police will be enforcing the parking ban.
the duty of the police is to enforce the law
Recent Examples on the Web
These could include establishing legal work pathways for refugees, enforcing wage parity and labor inspections, guaranteeing freedom to unionize regardless of legal status, among others.
—
Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025
War was considered legal, the primary way to enforce national rights and resolve disputes between states.
—Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Starting in July, the city will double down on enforcing its existing ban on public camping.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2025
In Texas, state National Guard troops have been deputized as immigration officers and given the authority to enforce federal immigration laws.
—June 24, CBS News, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for enforce
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Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025
War was considered legal, the primary way to enforce national rights and resolve disputes between states.
—Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Starting in July, the city will double down on enforcing its existing ban on public camping.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2025
In Texas, state National Guard troops have been deputized as immigration officers and given the authority to enforce federal immigration laws.
—June 24, CBS News, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for enforce
Cite this Entry
“Enforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enforce. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
enforce
verb
en·force
in-ˈfō(ə)rs 
-ˈfȯ(ə)rs
1
: to bring about by force : compel
enforce obedience
2
: to carry out effectively
enforce the law
Legal Definition
enforce
transitive verb
en·force
enforced; enforcing
: to cause to take effect or to be fulfilled
enforcing the divorce decree
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation—U.S. Constitution amend. XIX
U.S. Constitution amend. XIXLove words? Need even more definitions?
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