Enforce: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when ensuring compliance with laws, rules, or policies, often through authority or power.

• The police enforce traffic laws to ensure road safety
• The school had to enforce dress code regulations

Used when putting a plan, system, or decision into effect, often involving organizational actions or steps.

• The company will implement a new software system next month
• The government decided to implement new health policies

Often used when making practical use of something, such as a rule, tool, or theory, in a specific situation.

• She will apply the knowledge she learned in class to her new job
• You need to apply sunscreen to protect your skin

Commonly used in a context of managing or supervising the execution of tasks, services, or administering medication.

• The nurse will administer the medication twice a day
• The committee administers the community service program

Typically used when talking about ensuring laws, rules, or regulations are followed. It implies the use of authority or force to make sure something is obeyed.

• The police enforce the law.
• New measures have been put in place to enforce social distancing rules.

Used when describing the formal process of making something into a law or regulation. It often refers to the legislative action of passing laws.

• The government will enact new policies to improve education.
• Congress enacts laws that affect the entire country.

This word is used to describe carrying out a plan, order, or course of action. In a legal context, it also refers to carrying out the death penalty.

• The manager will execute the project plan.
• The prisoner was executed by lethal injection.

Often used in a legal or formal context to indicate maintaining or supporting a law, principle, or decision. It suggests keeping something in place through authority or consent.

• The court upheld the previous ruling.
• We must uphold the values of our community.