enforcer

noun

en·​forc·​er in-ˈfȯr-sər How to pronounce enforcer (audio)
en-
1
: one that enforces
2
a
: a violent criminal employed by a crime syndicate
especially : hit man sense 1
b
: a player (as in ice hockey) known for rough play and fighting

Examples of enforcer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Maria Gabriela de Faria, who stars as Lex Luthor’s enforcer The Engineer in Superman, appeared at the red carpet event for the film. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 During the show's opening segment, Heyman took the microphone after his enforcers, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, had laid out challenges to the Raw roster. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 Scott Cobb was the getaway driver, and Philip Copeland was the enforcer sent to make sure the murder took place. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025 That partnership, which involves making Google the default browser on devices, generates roughly $20 billion a year for Apple — and is now under threat from US antitrust enforcers. Sara Braun, Fortune, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for enforcer

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enforcer was in 1580

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Cite this Entry

“Enforcer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enforcer. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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