enforce
UK: ɪnˈfɔːs | US: ɪnˈfɔːrs
vt. to compel observance of or compliance with (a law, rule, or obligation)
vt. to impose (an action or behavior) through authority
vt. to strengthen or support (an argument, idea, etc.)
The word enforce entered Middle English via Old French enforcier (to strengthen, compel), blending the causative prefix en- with force. Originally tied to physical coercion, it gradually expanded to legal and abstract contexts (e.g., enforcing laws or arguments). The logic mirrors Latin infortiare (to strengthen), preserving the idea of applying power to ensure compliance.
The police enforce traffic laws to ensure public safety.
The new policy will be enforced starting next month.
She used statistics to enforce her argument during the debate.
Failure to enforce the rules fairly led to complaints.
The treaty lacks mechanisms to enforce its provisions.