To enforce means to make sure a rule or law is actually followed, often by using authority or consequences. When a teacher enforces classroom rules, they don't just post them on the wall and hope students obey. They pay attention, give warnings, and apply consequences when someone breaks a rule. When police officers enforce traffic laws, they watch for violations and issue tickets to drivers who speed or run red lights.

Enforcement is what gives rules their power. Without it, rules become mere suggestions. Imagine a soccer game where referees never called fouls: players would quickly ignore the rules because breaking them wouldn't matter. The referee's job is to enforce the game's rules so everyone plays fairly.

Parents enforce bedtimes, lifeguards enforce pool safety rules, and judges enforce court decisions.