enforce

Definition

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

Etymology

From Middle English enforcen, from Old French enforcier, from Late Latin infortiāre, from in- + fortis (“strong”).

Example Sentences

• "The police are there to enforce the law."
• "1929, Chiang Kai-shek, quoted in “Nationalist Notes,” Time, 11 February, 1929, Our task is only half finished. It will be my duty to enforce the decisions of the conference and I hereby pledge myself to that end."
• "Far from needing to be repealed, the ban on politics in the pulpit ought to be enforced more aggressively."