enact

enact — verb

1. When a government, parliament, or other official body enacts a law or policy, it

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

When a government, parliament, or other official body enacts a law or policy, it formally approves it through a vote or decision-making process, making it legally binding and putting it into effect.

例句

The parliament enacted a new data privacy law that took effect in January.

passive: be enacted by [legislative body]

Taiwan's legislature enacted strict new regulations on food labelling last year.

collocation: enact regulations / legislation / reform

同義詞
  • pass

    more general; used for any vote that approves a law or motion, without the same weight of formal ceremony

  • establish

    broader scope — can apply to systems, rules, or institutions, not limited to legislation

  • decree

    stronger, more authoritarian; suggests a single ruler or authority making the decision without a vote

反義詞
  • repeal

    to officially cancel a law that was previously enacted

  • abolish

    to formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution

文法句型

enact + [law / bill / legislation / reform / measure / policy]

be enacted by [legislative body]

be enacted as [specific law name]

用法筆記

Frequently used in the passive voice. The grammatical subject is usually a formal body (e.g. parliament, congress, council, legislature) rather than a single individual. Colloquial alternatives include 'pass a law' (for legislative contexts) or 'introduce a rule' (for less formal settings).

常見錯誤

❌The manager enacted a new office rule.
✅The manager introduced a new office rule.
💡'enact' implies a formal, official legislative or governmental procedure, not everyday workplace decisions.

2. To present a story, scene, or event through physical performance — for example,

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

To present a story, scene, or event through physical performance — for example, by acting out a dramatic script in a theatre, recreating a historical moment for an audience, or going through the steps of a traditional ritual in a ceremonial setting.

例句

The drama club enacted a short scene from a play by Arthur Miller.

enact + [scene / play / story]

Elementary students enacted the story of their town's founding during the anniversary celebration.

同義詞
  • perform

    more general and widely used for any kind of presentation before an audience

  • act out

    more informal and often used for spontaneous or informal dramatizations

  • portray

    focuses on playing a specific character role rather than the entire scene or story

文法句型

enact + [scene / play / story / ritual / reenactment]

enact + [historical event]

用法筆記

This sense is more formal than everyday alternatives like 'act out' or 'perform'. It often appears in descriptions of educational reenactments, ceremonial rituals, or theatrical productions. The object is typically a creative or narrative work (scene, play, ritual) rather than a character role.

常見錯誤

❌She enacted a famous singer at the party.
✅She imitated a famous singer at the party.
💡'enact' involves a scripted story or scene, not casual impersonation.