en ‧ force AC /ɪnˈfɔːs $ -ɔːrs/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ enforcement , ↑ enforcer ; adjective : ↑ enforceable , ↑ enforced ; verb : ↑ enforce ]
1 . to make people obey a rule or law
enforce a law/ban etc
Governments make laws and the police enforce them.
Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced.
2 . to make something happen or force someone to do something
enforce something on somebody
It is unlikely that a record company would enforce its views on an established artist.
—enforceable adjective :
The recommendations are not legally enforceable.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ enforce a law
He wants the police to enforce the law and arrest the men.
▪ enforce a rule/regulation
The rules are strictly enforced.
▪ enforce an agreement
The president called for UN action to enforce the agreement.
▪ enforce a ban
The ban on commercial whaling can only be enforced with the international cooperation.
▪ enforce sanctions
The EU has threatened to enforce sanctions by blockading the port.
▪ enforce discipline
You have to enforce classroom discipline or there is chaos.
■ adverbs
▪ be strictly/rigorously enforced
The new parking restrictions will be strictly enforced.
▪ be properly enforced
Rules are only effective if they are properly enforced.