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Enforce

/ɪnˈfɔːs/

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

Full Dictionary Entry

📖 Definitions of "Enforce"

verb

1
To keep up, impose or bring into effect something, not necessarily by force.
"The police are there to enforce the law."
2
To give strength or force to; to affirm, to emphasize.
"The victim was able to enforce his evidence against the alleged perpetrator."
3
To strengthen (a castle, town etc.) with extra troops, fortifications etc.
4
To intensify, make stronger, add force to.

🔄 Synonyms of "Enforce"

3 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
applyverb	(transitive) To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case
imposeverb	(transitive) (figurative) To apply, enforce, or establish (something, often regarded as burdensome as a restriction or tax: see verb, sense 1.2.1) with authority.
implementverb	To bring about; to put into practice; to carry out.

↔️ Antonyms of "Enforce"

Words with the opposite meaning.

Word	Definition
freenoun	(social) Unconstrained.
exemptverb	Free from a duty, obligation, rule, law, etc.
relieveverb	(transitive) To ease (a person, person's thoughts etc.) from mental distress; to stop (someone) feeling anxious or worried, to alleviate the distress of.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Enforce"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
imposeverb	(transitive) (figurative) To apply, enforce, or establish (something, often regarded as burdensome as a restriction or tax: see verb, sense 1.2.1) with authority.
applyverb	(transitive) To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case
implementverb	To bring about; to put into practice; to carry out.
compelverb	(transitive) To force, constrain, or coerce.
coerceverb	(transitive) To use force, threat, fraud, or intimidation in an attempt to compel one to act against their will.
obligeverb	(transitive, intransitive) To do (someone) a service or favour (hence, originally, creating an obligation).
undertakeverb	(transitive) To take upon oneself; to start, to embark on (a specific task etc.).
attainverb	(transitive) To gain (an object or desired result).
achieveverb	(transitive) To carry out successfully; to accomplish.
achievingnoun	An achievement; the process of achieving something.
meetverb	To make contact (with someone) while in proximity.
maintainverb	To keep up; to preserve; to uphold (a state, condition etc.).
accomplishverb	(transitive) To finish successfully.
prevailverb	(intransitive) To be superior in strength, dominance, influence, or frequency; to have or gain the advantage over others; to have the upper hand; to outnumber others.
fulfillverb	(transitive) To satisfy, carry out, bring to completion (an obligation, a requirement, etc.).
punishverb	(transitive) To cause (a child, student, or someone else being looked after, or a suspect or criminal) to suffer for crime or misconduct, to administer disciplinary action, typically by an authority or a person in authority (for example: a parent, teacher, or police officer).
pursueverb	(transitive) To aim for, go after (a specified objective, situation etc.).
strengthenverb	(transitive) To make strong or stronger; to add strength to; to increase the strength of; to fortify.
performverb	(ambitransitive) To do (something) in front of an audience, such as acting or music, often in order to entertain.
executionnoun	The act, manner or style of executing (actions, maneuvers, performances).