enforce Meaning, Definition & Usage
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verb ensure observance of laws and rules;
apply; implement.
- Apply the rules to everyone
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verb compel to behave in a certain way
impose.
- Social relations impose courtesy
WordNet
En*force" transitive verb
Etymology
OF.Wordforms
Definitions
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To put force upon; to force; to constrain; to compel; as, to .enforce obedience to commandsInward joy enforced my heart to smile. Shak.
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To make or gain by force; to obtain by force; "Enforcing furious way." Spenser.as, to .enforce a passage -
To put in motion or action by violence; to drive. As swift as stones Enforced from the old Assyrian slings. Shak.
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To give force to; to strengthen; to invigorate; to urge with energy; as, to .enforce arguments or requestsEnforcing sentiment of the thrust humanity. Burke.
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To put in force; to cause to take effect; to give effect to; to execute with vigor; as, to .enforce the laws -
To urge; to ply hard; to lay much stress upon. Enforce him with his envy to the people. Shak.
En*force intransitive verb
Definitions
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To attempt by force. Obs. -
To prove; to evince. R. Hooker. -
To strengthen; to grow strong. Obs. Chaucer.
En*force" noun
Definitions
Force; strength; power. Obs.A petty enterprise of small enforce. Milton.