enforce

Definitions

en- ('to put into') + force ('strength, power') = to put force into. You enforce a rule by backing it with power so that people have no choice but to comply. The force is not always physical — it can be legal authority, penalties, or institutional pressure.

Common Collocations

• 1.enforce the law执法
• 2.enforce rules执行规定
• 3.enforce a ban实施禁令
• 4.strictly enforce严格执行
• 5.enforce a contract强制执行合同

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The city struggles to enforce parking regulations downtown.

• 2.

  It is the court's job to enforce the law fairly.

• 3.

  Schools should enforce the rules consistently for all students.

Easily Confused

enforce vs reinforce — enforce = make a rule be obeyed (enforce the speed limit). reinforce = add strength to something that already exists (reinforce a wall, reinforce a message). They share 'force' but enforce is about compliance, reinforce about strengthening.