How to pronounce enforce
Say it like en-FORS. Enforce has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FORS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce enforce. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- en
- FORS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Enforce pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- enKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- FORSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of enforce
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: en-FAWS.
What does enforce mean?
- ensure observance of laws and rules“Apply the rules to everyone”
- compel to behave in a certain way“Social relations impose courtesy”“duty constrains one to act often contrary to one's desires or inclinations”
Where does enforce come from?
From Middle English enforcen, from Old French enforcier, from Late Latin infortiāre, from in- + fortis (“strong”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with enforce
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of enforce.
Questions about saying enforce
How do you pronounce enforce?
Say en-FORS. The American pronunciation is /ɛnˈfɔrs/. In British English it is /ɛnˈfɔːs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in enforce?
Enforce has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FORS). Broken into parts: en · FORS.
Is enforce pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɛnˈfɔːs/ (en-FAWS).