enforcer

/ɪnˈfɔrsər/
noun
  1. A person or thing that makes sure rules or laws are obeyed.
    • The parking enforcer gave tickets to cars parked in the fire lane.
    • The company hired a compliance enforcer to ensure all safety regulations were followed.
    • In many sports, the referee acts as an enforcer of the game's rules.
  2. A member of a criminal group whose job is to use violence or threats to maintain discipline or collect debts.
    • In the movie, the gang's enforcer was known for his brutal methods.
    • The detective arrested the enforcer who had been intimidating local businesses.
    • The mob enforcer threatened the shop owner for not paying protection money.
  3. In sports, a player known for physical play and intimidating opponents, often to protect teammates.
    • The basketball enforcer set tough screens and wasn't afraid to foul hard.
    • The hockey team's enforcer dropped his gloves to defend his star player.
    • Coaches value an enforcer who can change the momentum of a game with a hard hit.
What does "enforcer" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean