enforce

The story

1. Late Latin · derived frominfortiāre
2. Old French · derived fromenforcier
3. Middle English · inherited fromenforcen
4. English todayenforce

From Middle English enforcen, from Old French enforcier, from Late Latin infortiāre, from in- + fortis (“strong”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 17th c. To keep up, impose or bring into effect something, not necessarily by force.
• from 15th c. To give strength or force to; to affirm, to emphasize.
• 14th–18th c. To strengthen (a castle, town etc.) with extra troops, fortifications etc.
• 14th–18th c. To intensify, make stronger, add force to.
• 14th–17th c. To exert oneself, to try hard.
• from 16th c. To compel, oblige (someone or something); to force.