enforcements
|en-force-ment|
🇺🇸
/ɪnˈfɔːrsmənt/
🇬🇧
/ɪnˈfɔːsmənt/
(enforcement)
lack of enforcement
Etymology
'enforcement' originates from English formation of the verb 'enforce' plus the noun suffix '-ment'. 'Enforce' itself comes from Old French 'enforcier'/'enforcer', where the prefix 'en-' meant 'in' or 'make' and the root derived from words related to 'force' (from Latin roots meaning 'strong').
'Enforce' entered Middle English from Old French (e.g. 'enforcen'/'enforcer'); the noun 'enforcement' was later formed in English by adding the suffix '-ment' to indicate the action or result. Over time this produced the modern English 'enforcement'.
Originally formed to mean 'to make strong' or 'to apply force'; over time the sense shifted toward 'compel compliance' and 'apply rules or laws', which is the primary modern meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'enforcement': acts of compelling observance of laws, rules, or obligations; the process of ensuring compliance.
The new regulations led to increased enforcements of safety standards across the industry.
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Noun 2
specific measures, actions, or authorities (e.g., agencies or operations) used to enforce laws or rules.
The company faced multiple enforcements from regulatory bodies after the audit.
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Last updated: 2025/09/23 23:10