'enforce' originates from Old French (formed from en- + 'force'), where the prefix 'en-' meant 'in, into, cause to' and 'force' meant 'strength' (ultimately from Latin 'fortis' meaning 'strong').

'enforce' changed from Middle English forms such as 'enforcen' (influenced by Old French 'enforcer') and eventually became the modern English word 'enforce'.

Initially it meant 'to make strong' or 'to apply force'; over time it evolved to mean 'to compel observance or compliance,' especially of laws, rules, or obligations.