enforce the law
/ɪnˈfɔːrs ðə lɔː/
Meaning
To make sure that people obey the rules, laws, or regulations of a country, city, or organization. This action is typically carried out by police officers, inspectors, or other authorities. It carries a formal, serious tone and is used when discussing legal systems, governance, or safety regulations.
Examples
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It is the primary responsibility of the police department to enforce the law and protect citizens.
It is the primary responsibility of the police department to enforce the law and protect citizens.
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The city hired more traffic wardens to enforce the law regarding illegal parking.
The city hired more traffic wardens to enforce the law regarding illegal parking.
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Without consequences, it is incredibly difficult for any government to enforce the law effectively.
Without consequences, it is incredibly difficult for any government to enforce the law effectively.
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Local authorities are struggling to enforce the law against illegal dumping in the countryside.
Local authorities are struggling to enforce the law against illegal dumping in the countryside.
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The new regulations are clear, but we need active officers to enforce the law on the streets.
The new regulations are clear, but we need active officers to enforce the law on the streets.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The police need to force the law.
✓ The police need to enforce the law.
'Force' means to compel someone to do something using physical strength or power. 'Enforce' specifically means to compel observance of a law or rule.
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✗ They are trying to enforce to the law.
✓ They are trying to enforce the law.
'Enforce' is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to'. You enforce the law directly.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The main duty of police officers is to protect the public and ___.
💡 to make sure people obey the legal rules
Show answer
enforce the law
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If we don't have enough officers, it is impossible to ___.
💡 to compel obedience to legal statutes
Show answer
enforce the law