Definition: enforce

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7

enforce
     v 1: ensure observance of laws and rules; "Apply the rules to
          everyone"; [syn: implement, apply] [ant: exempt]
     2: compel or impose; "Social relations impose courtesy" [syn: impose]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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

         A petty enterprise of small enforce.     --Milton.
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.

            Inward joy enforced my heart to smile. --Shak.

   2. To make or gain by force; to obtain by force; as, to
      enforce a passage. ``Enforcing furious way.'' --Spenser.

   3. To put in motion or action by violence; to drive.

            As swift as stones Enforced from the old Assyrian
            slings.                               --Shak.

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

            Enforcing sentiment of the thrust humanity. --Burke.

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

   6. To urge; to ply hard; to lay much stress upon.

            Enforce him with his envy to the people. --Shak.
Enforce \En*force\, v. i.
   1. To attempt by force. [Obs.]

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

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