enact
/ɪˈnækt/
verb
Origin
Anglo-Norman / Middle French
en- + act — in or into + act/deed
Overview
Meaning Now
- To make (a bill or other proposal) into law.
- To perform or act out (a role or play) on a stage or in real life.
Literal older meaning
to put into action
Language path
Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
enacten
Earliest period
late 15th century
Journey
The word originated as a legal term referring to the formal registration or passing of decrees. Over time, it broadened to include general performance, mirroring the evolution of the Latin 'actus' from a mere action to a theatrical performance.
Evolution
- 1st century, Latin
actum
“done, performed”
Past participle of agere.
- 14th century, Old French
enacter
“to place in a register or record”
Legal context: to register a transaction.
- 15th century, Middle English
enacten
“to decree or establish by law”
Transition into legislative usage.
- 17th century, English
enact
“to act out or represent”
Shift to the performative sense.
Connections
Word parts
en-
prefix
to make into or put into
act
root
a deed, performance, or legal decree
Related across languages
French
acter
to act or record
Latin
agere
to do or drive
Explore next
Related to enact
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.