enforce
UK[ɪnˈfɔːs]US[ɪnˈfɔːrs]
v
to make sure that a law or rule is obeyed by people
v
to make something happen or force someone to do something
Morpheme Breakdown
en
force
en
cause to be
force
strength
Etymology
the word "enforce" entered english in the 14th century from old french enforcier, meaning "to strengthen, force, or compel." its french origin is a combination of the prefix en- (a causative element meaning "to make" or "put into") and the root force (strength). this french construction itself derives from late latin infortiare, from latin in- and fortis (strong). the semantic journey is clear and logical: the literal sense of "putting strength into" something evolved into the modern abstract meanings of compelling obedience to a rule or ensuring something is carried out effectively.
Analysis
Structure: en (cause to be) + force (strength)
en: from old french, ultimately from latin in- (in, into, cause to be). a prefix used to form verbs meaning "to put into" or "to cause to be."
force: from old french force, from vulgar latin fortia, from latin fortis (strong). serves as the root noun/verb meaning strength or power.
Examples
the police are here to enforce the law.
the contract includes clauses to enforce timely payment.
teachers struggle to enforce the new classroom rules.