[syn: enforce, impose]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Enforce \En*force"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Enforced; p. pr. &
vb. n. Enforcing.] [OF. enforcier to strengthen, force, F.
enforcir; pref. en- (L. in) + F. force. See Force.]
1. To put force upon; to force; to constrain; to compel; as,
to enforce obedience to commands.
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Inward joy enforced my heart to smile. --Shak.
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2. To make or gain by force; to obtain by force; as, to
enforce a passage. "Enforcing furious way." --Spenser.
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3. To put in motion or action by violence; to drive.
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As swift as stones
Enforced from the old Assyrian slings. --Shak.
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4. To give force to; to strengthen; to invigorate; to urge
with energy; as, to enforce arguments or requests.
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Enforcing sentiment of the thrust humanity. --Burke.
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5. To put in force; to cause to take effect; to give effect
to; to execute with vigor; as, to enforce the laws.
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6. To urge; to ply hard; to lay much stress upon.
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Enforce him with his envy to the people. --Shak.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Enforce \En*force\, v. i.
1. To attempt by force. [Obs.]
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2. To prove; to evince. [R.] --Hooker.
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3. To strengthen; to grow strong. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Enforce \En*force"\, n.
Force; strength; power. [Obs.]
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A petty enterprise of small enforce. --Milton.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
enforce
v 1: ensure observance of laws and rules; "Apply the rules to
everyone"; [syn: enforce, implement, apply] [ant:
exempt, free, relieve]
2: compel to behave in a certain way; "Social relations impose
courtesy" [syn: enforce, impose]