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enact
/ɪˈnækt/
to pass a law or make a rule official
The government enacted new environmental regulations.
The government officially passed new environmental laws.
Law
formal
to pass a law or make a rule official
The parliament enacted a bill to protect workers' rights.
The parliament officially passed a bill to protect workers' rights.
The new policy was enacted to reduce traffic congestion.
The new policy was officially passed to reduce traffic congestion.
Often used in formal or legal contexts to describe the process of making a law or rule official.
literary
to perform or act out something, especially in a dramatic or theatrical way
The actors enacted the play with great enthusiasm.
The actors performed the play with great enthusiasm.
Less common usage, often found in literary or dramatic contexts.
Collocations
enact a lawto officially pass a lawenact a policyto officially implement a policyenact a ruleto officially establish a rule
Pro Tip
Legal Context
In legal contexts, 'enact' is often used to describe the process of passing laws or regulations.
Dramatic Context
In dramatic or literary contexts, 'enact' can mean to perform or act out a scene or play.
Gold Rule
Formal Usage
'Enact' is a formal word and is typically used in legal, governmental, or official contexts.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'enacten', from Old French 'enacter', from Latin 'enactare' meaning 'to make into law'.
Usage Notes
The primary meaning of 'enact' is related to the formal process of passing laws or rules. It is commonly used in legal and governmental contexts. The secondary meaning, related to performing or acting out, is less common and typically found in literary or dramatic contexts.
Word Breakdown
en-
in, into
prefix-act
to do, perform
rootEnglish Dictionary