enforce English · revision 10809

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=c. 1343|origins=fro enforcier}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ɪnˈfɔːs/, US /enˈfɔːrs/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|fro|enforcier|t=to exert force]] and enforcir, to strengthen,^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986) from Late Latin *infortiāre, *infortīre,^(Barnhart 1988)^(Hoad 1986) from in-, in, and fortis, strong (see [[force]]).^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ To make an effort: probably about 1343;^(Barnhart 1988) to strengthen a fortress, 1340–70 in the OED;^(OED 1989) to drive by physical force, the mid-14th century in Etymonline.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ To force or compel is from 1350.^(Barnhart 1988) In the late 14th century it also meant to reinforce, strengthen an argument, and grow stronger,^(Etymonline) and to press home or emphasize from the 15th century.^(Hoad 1986) The meaning to compel obedience to a law is attested from the 1640s.^(Etymonline) ''Enforcement'' is from 1475, in Caxton,^(Barnhart 1988) and ''enforceable'' from 1589.^(Barnhart 1988) The NODE notes it was formerly also written inforce.^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 1343 – to make an effort.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1350 – to compel.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1475 – enforcement.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1589 – enforceable.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1640s – to enforce a law.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To make sure that a [[law]] or rule is obeyed.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To impose by force: ''to enforce silence''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To strengthen or emphasize an argument.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[enforceability]]

+ * [[enforceable]]

+ * [[enforcement]]

+ * [[enforcer]]

+ * [[enforcive]]

+ * [[nonenforced]]

+ * [[nonenforcing]]

+ * [[reenforce]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[force]]

+ * [[reinforce]]

+ * [[fortify]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}