A person or official who ensures that rules are followed and punishes those who break them.
From 'enforce' (to make sure something is carried out) + the agent suffix '-er.' The term emerged in the 1800s as organized law enforcement and rule-making expanded.
In hockey, 'enforcers' are tough players who fight to protect teammates, while in crime syndicates, enforcers use violence to collect debts—the same word describes both a sports role and criminal activity!
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