Definition of "enforce" in English

verb

1. To keep up, impose or bring into effect something, not necessarily by force.

   • The police are there to enforce the law.
   • 1929, Chiang Kai-shek, quoted in “Nationalist Notes,” Time, 11 February, 1929, Our task is only half finished. It will be my duty to enforce the decisions of the conference and I hereby pledge myself to that end.

2. To give strength or force to; to affirm, to emphasize.

   • The victim was able to enforce his evidence against the alleged perpetrator.

3. (obsolete, transitive) To strengthen (a castle, town etc.) with extra troops, fortifications etc.

4. (obsolete, transitive) To intensify, make stronger, add force to.

5. (obsolete, reflexive) To exert oneself, to try hard.

6. (obsolete) To compel, oblige (someone or something); to force.

7. (obsolete) To make or gain by force; to force.

   • to enforce a passage

8. (obsolete) To put in motion or action by violence; to drive.

9. (obsolete) To give force to; to strengthen; to invigorate; to energize.

   • to enforce arguments or requests

10. (obsolete) To urge; to ply hard; to lay much stress upon.

11. (obsolete) To prove; to evince.