enforce

Everyday

1. To make sure that people obey a law or rule. tree →
2. To make something happen by force or strong pressure: «enforced silence». tree →

In the lessons

In citizenship: police enforce laws; referees enforce rules in sport; teachers and lunchtime staff enforce school rules. In adult life: courts enforce payment of debts. Phrases: «enforce the law», «enforce a rule», «strictly enforced», «law enforcement».

Examples

• The police enforce the speed limit near schools. tree →
• The referee enforced the offside rule. tree →
• The no-phone rule will be strictly enforced. tree →
• Lifeguards enforce the "no running" rule at the pool. tree →
• The court enforced the payment. tree →
• A rule is useless if nobody enforces it. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun: «enforcement» («law enforcement» = police and similar). Do not confuse with «reinforce» (make stronger). Spelling: en + force.