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en·force

enforce

 
 
pronunciation:
ihn fors
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: enforces, enforcing, enforced
definition 1: to compel compliance with or obedience to.
The government makes the laws, and the police enforce them.There is a law against fishing in this area, but no one seems to be enforcing it because there are always people fishing here.
 
similar words:
administer, execute, implement, impose, prosecute
definition 2: to collect or obtain (money or performance) by force or coercion.
Thugs enforced the payment of debts to their boss.
synonyms:
coerce, exact, extort
similar words:
dragoon, railroad, squeeze, strong-arm
definition 3: to maintain forcibly; stress.
I must enforce upon you the importance of this matter.
synonyms:
press, pressure, stress
similar words:
demand, impose, urge
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derivations: enforceable (adj.), enforceability (n.), enforcer (n.)
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