enforcement

/ɛnˈfɔrsmɪnt/

/ɛnˈfɔsmənt/

Other forms: enforcements

Enforcement is when someone in a position of power makes sure you follow the rules, whether it’s a police officer pulling over a speeding car, or your brother catching you cheating at checkers.

Most people benefit from the enforcement of laws, because it prevents criminals from taking advantage of others. You can see the word force inside enforcement, and it usually takes a little force to keep people from breaking rules. Enforcement may not make you a popular person – think of a hall monitor – but it does make for an obedient and organized life.

Definitions of enforcement

1. noun

   the act of enforcing; ensuring observance of or obedience to
   types:

   coercion

   the act of compelling by force of authority

   carrying out, execution, implementation

   the act of accomplishing some aim or executing some order

   imposition, infliction

   the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)

   law enforcement

   ensuring obedience to the laws

   terror

   the use of extreme fear in order to coerce people (especially for political reasons)

   protection, trade protection

   the imposition of duties or quotas on imports in order to protect domestic industry against foreign competition

   vigilantism

   the actions of a vigilance committee in trying to enforce the laws

   regimentation

   the imposition of order or discipline

   reimposition

   imposition again

   taxation

   the imposition of taxes; the practice of the government in levying taxes on the subjects of a state

   type of:

   social control

   control exerted (actively or passively) by group action