v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Enforced p. pr. & vb. n. Enforcing ] [ OF. enforcier to strengthen, force, F. enforcir; pref. en- (L. in) + F. force. See Force. ] 1. To put force upon; to force; to constrain; to compel; as, to enforce obedience to commands. [ 1913 Webster ] Inward joy enforced my heart to smile. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To make or gain by force; to obtain by force; as, to enforce a passage. “Enforcing furious way.” Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To put in motion or action by violence; to drive. [ 1913 Webster ] As swift as stones Enforced from the old Assyrian slings. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To give force to; to strengthen; to invigorate; to urge with energy; as, to enforce arguments or requests. [ 1913 Webster ] Enforcing sentiment of the thrust humanity. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. To put in force; to cause to take effect; to give effect to; to execute with vigor; as, to enforce the laws. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. To urge; to ply hard; to lay much stress upon. [ 1913 Webster ] Enforce him with his envy to the people. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] |