enforce
gb/ɪnfˈɔɹs/ us/ɪnfˈɔɹs/
B2
English
~ 7500
betartat, kikényszerít, érvényesít, megerősít, alátámaszt, nyomatékosít
VERB
B2
1
Usage pattern:
to enforce [a law/rule/ban/decision]
The government has promised to strictly enforce the new traffic laws.
A kormány megígérte, hogy szigorúan betartatja az új közlekedési szabályokat.
Security staff are there to enforce the rules of the stadium.
A biztonsági személyzet azért van ott, hogy betartassa a stadion szabályait.
If we don’t enforce the dress code, people will stop taking it seriously.
The company began enforcing its no-smoking policy in all offices last year.
International observers say the ceasefire will be hard to enforce without more troops.
Learner examples
Police enforce the law in the city.
A rendőrség betartatja a törvényeket a városban.
Teachers must enforce the classroom rules.
A tanároknak be kell tartatniuk az osztálytermi szabályokat.
The school enforces a ban on phones during exams.
Managers enforce safety rules at the factory.
The club enforces a strict dress code.
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "enforce" with "force" and "impose". "Enforce" almost always takes an abstract object like a law, rule, or policy (e.g., "enforce the rules"), not a person (we do NOT say *"enforce him to leave"; instead say "force him to leave"). Learners also mix up "enforce" and "reinforce": "enforce" is about making people obey rules; "reinforce" is about making something stronger (e.g., "reinforce an argument").
Meaning
make sure rules or laws are obeyed
Collocations
enforce the law
|enforce a ban
|enforce a rule
|enforce regulations
|strictly enforce
|enforce a contract
Synonyms
implement (Focuses on putting a plan or policy into practical action, not necessarily stressing punishment or control.)
|
impose (Emphasizes forcing something on people, often with a negative feeling, and not limited to rules or laws.)
|
uphold (Stresses supporting and maintaining a law or principle, with less focus on active punishment.)
Antonyms
ignore (To choose not to notice or deal with a rule or law, the opposite of making sure it is followed.)
|
overlook (To fail to notice or deliberately not act on a violation of a rule, instead of acting to enforce it.)
Themes
law
|politics
|work
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make people follow a rule, law, or decision, usually by using power or authority.
To make a rule, law, decision, or standard be followed or obeyed, especially by using authority or power.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
to enforce [an argument/view/request]
The new data strongly enforce his argument for climate action.
Az új adatok erősen alátámasztják a klímavédelmi intézkedések melletti érvelését.
Her personal story enforced the urgency of the appeal.
Személyes története nyomatékosította a felhívás sürgősségét.
These findings enforce the view that early treatment is essential.
Learner examples
The new facts enforce his idea.
Az új tények megerősítik az elképzelését.
The example enforces her main point.
A példa alátámasztja a fő állítását.
These numbers enforce the view that costs are too high.
Common mistake:
In modern English, speakers usually prefer "reinforce" instead of "enforce" for this meaning. Using "enforce" here can sound overly formal or old-fashioned. Learners should normally choose "reinforce an idea/argument" rather than "enforce an idea/argument" in everyday use.
Meaning
strengthen or support an idea
Collocations
enforce an argument
|enforce a point
|enforce a request
|enforce a view
Synonyms
reinforce (The most common modern verb for this meaning; focuses clearly on making an idea or feeling stronger.)
|
underline (Emphasizes drawing special attention to an idea rather than making it stronger in a logical way.)
Antonyms
undermine (To weaken or damage an argument or position, the opposite of strengthening it.)
|
dilute (To make an idea or feeling weaker or less intense.)
Themes
communication
|thinking
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make an idea, belief, or feeling stronger, often by adding more reasons or examples.
To give extra strength, support, or emphasis to an argument, opinion, or feeling.
Grammar
Dictionary form
enforce
IPA
GB/ɪnfˈɔɹs/
US/ɪnfˈɔɹs/
Syllables & stress
en - force (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (force)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: enforce
- 3rd Person Singular: enforces
- Present Participle: enforcing
- Past: enforced
Word family
Forms
enforces
verb
enforcing
verb
enforced
verb
Core family
enforcement
noun B1
enforceable
adjective
Related words
enforcer
noun
Negative and opposite forms
unenforceable
adjective
Advanced or less common
enforceability
noun
Expressions
enforce a ban
1/ɪnfˈɔɹs ə bˈæn/
fixed phrase
make sure a ban is followed
To make people obey a ban, such as a ban on smoking or travel.
Examples
- Airport staff are working hard to enforce the ban on liquids in hand luggage.
- The city has struggled to enforce a ban on short-term rentals.
enforce a contract
1/ɪnfˈɔɹs ə kˈɑntɹˌækt/
fixed phrase
formal
make sure a contract is honored
To use legal steps so that the promises in a contract are kept.
Examples
- If the client does not pay, we can go to court to enforce the contract.
- The company chose not to enforce the contract after the supplier went bankrupt.
enforce the law
1/ɪnfˈɔɹs ðə lˈɔ/
fixed phrase
make sure the law is obeyed
To use power or authority so that people follow the law.
Examples
- It is the police who enforce the law, not make it.
- Without enough officers, it will be difficult to enforce the law in rural areas.