enforcer
noun
en·forc·er in-ˈfȯr-sər 
en-
1
: one that enforces
2
a
: a violent criminal employed by a crime syndicate
especially : hit man sense 1
b
: a player (as in ice hockey) known for rough play and fighting
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web But Keith, who is touchingly ID-ed as the tough-love rehab enforcer for Watts and Wood, mostly sticks to the music here. 
Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2022 Next to the office is the room where Mr. Okumu, known to residents as the center’s enforcer, lived with his wife, its cook. Michael M. Phillips, WSJ, 16 Aug. 2022 In the decade since the program launched, whistleblowers have led the agency to recover roughly $5 billion, re-energizing this once moribund enforcer. Max Voldman, Fortune, 22 July 2022 Lloyd said Goodson is the enforcer and is always ready to hit somebody. Jimmy Lay, al, 9 Aug. 2022 Soon after, the Rangers faced another test when their enforcer, Ryan Reaves, was called for tripping. New York Times, 8 June 2022 Standing nearby was Draymond Green, Thompson and Curry’s longtime co-conspirator, a pass-first, shoot-last defensive enforcer who’d also struggled during these Finals. Jason Gay, WSJ, 17 June 2022 Former Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera said Riley was collaborative, accessible, and innovative, a partner instead of an enforcer, whose restraint won him respect and loyalty. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 11 June 2022 Peat became a defensive enforcer, a shot-blocker, who won the Brophy Prep state semifinal, triple-overtime game with his defense. Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 21 Apr. 2022 See More
Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2022 Next to the office is the room where Mr. Okumu, known to residents as the center’s enforcer, lived with his wife, its cook. Michael M. Phillips, WSJ, 16 Aug. 2022 In the decade since the program launched, whistleblowers have led the agency to recover roughly $5 billion, re-energizing this once moribund enforcer. Max Voldman, Fortune, 22 July 2022 Lloyd said Goodson is the enforcer and is always ready to hit somebody. Jimmy Lay, al, 9 Aug. 2022 Soon after, the Rangers faced another test when their enforcer, Ryan Reaves, was called for tripping. New York Times, 8 June 2022 Standing nearby was Draymond Green, Thompson and Curry’s longtime co-conspirator, a pass-first, shoot-last defensive enforcer who’d also struggled during these Finals. Jason Gay, WSJ, 17 June 2022 Former Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera said Riley was collaborative, accessible, and innovative, a partner instead of an enforcer, whose restraint won him respect and loyalty. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 11 June 2022 Peat became a defensive enforcer, a shot-blocker, who won the Brophy Prep state semifinal, triple-overtime game with his defense. Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 21 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1
enforcer
noun
1
as in disciplinarian
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- disciplinarian
- taskmaster
- martinet
- dictator
- tyrant
- strongman
- despot
- discipliner
- oppressor
- overlord
- autocrat
- pharaoh
- overlord
- totalitarian
- warlord
- boss
- führer
- potentate
- autarch
- caesar
- paramount
- chief
- authoritarian
- dominator
- caudillo
- ruler
- leader
- kingpin
- fuehrer
- tyrannizer
- monocrat
- captain
- czar
- king
- master
- baron
- sovereign
- queen
- lord
- mogul
- monarch
- magnate
- tycoon
- baroness
- czarina
- Big Brother
- tsar
- tzarina
- tzar
- sovran
- tsarina
2
as in thug
Synonyms & Similar Words
- thug
- gangster
- racketeer
- mobster
- triggerman
- hoodlum
- hooligan
- villain
- gunsel
- transgressor
- recidivist
- trespasser
- defendant
- wrongdoer
- perpetrator
- accused
- outlaw
- sinner
- perp
- fish
- suspect
- detainee
- gun
- accomplice
- backslider
- convict
- jailbird
- blackhander
- arrestee
- principal
- hit man
- relapser
- button man
- gunman
- misdoer
- desperado
- misfeasor
- gallows bird
- repeater
- evildoer
- misdemeanant
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- lawman
- gangbuster