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enact

/ɛnˈækt/
/ɛnˈækt/
IPA guide

Other forms: enacted; enacting; enacts

You often hear that Congress is going to enact a new statute, which means that they will make it into a law. But enact also means to perform, like in a play. (Makes you wonder if the lawmakers are actors!)

Inside the word enact is that little word act, meaning “to do.” That makes sense, because when you enact something, you make it happen. And of course, we know that to act also means to perform, and so enact means “to act out,” like on stage. Now that the new rules have been enacted, you'll have to stop wearing your gorilla suit to work. Even after Labor Day.

Definitions of enact
  1. verb
    order by virtue of superior authority; decree
    “the legislature enacted this law in 1985”
    synonyms: ordain
    see moresee less
    types:
    reenact
    enact again
    legislate, pass
    make laws, bills, etc. or bring into effect by legislation
    type of:
    decree
    issue a decree
  2. verb
    act out; represent or perform as if in a play
    synonyms: act out, reenact
    see moresee less
    type of:
    act, play, represent
    play a role or part
Pronunciation
US
/ɛnˈækt/
UK
/ɛnˈækt/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘enact'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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