enforce

Verb

WordNet 3.0

Verb (2)

ensure observance of laws and rules“Apply the rules to everyone";”Synonyms: implement apply
compel to behave in a certain way“Social relations impose courtesy”Synonyms: impose

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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. [1913 Webster]

Inward joy enforced my heart to smile.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

2.To make or gain by force; to obtain by force; as, to enforce a passage. "Enforcing furious way." --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

3.To put in motion or action by violence; to drive. [1913 Webster]

As swift as stones Enforced from the old Assyrian slings.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

4.To give force to; to strengthen; to invigorate; to urge with energy; as, to enforce arguments or requests. [1913 Webster]

Enforcing sentiment of the thrust humanity.— Burke.[1913 Webster]

5.To put in force; to cause to take effect; to give effect to; to execute with vigor; as, to enforce the laws. [1913 Webster]

6.To urge; to ply hard; to lay much stress upon. [1913 Webster]

Enforce him with his envy to the people.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Enforce \En*force\, v. i.

1.To attempt by force. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

2.To prove; to evince. [R.] --Hooker. [1913 Webster]

3.To strengthen; to grow strong. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Enforce \En*force"\, n. Force; strength; power. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

A petty enterprise of small enforce. --Milton. [1913 Webster]