noun

force

faws

noun

Strength or power exerted to move, influence, or affect something.

"The force of the explosion shattered every window nearby."

"She spoke with such force that no one dared argue."

In physics, a push or pull on an object, measured in newtons.

"Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward the earth."

An organized group, especially military or police, with a command structure.

"The peacekeeping force arrived within days."

"She joined the police force straight out of college."

verb

To make someone do something against their will, or to make something happen through effort or pressure.

"They forced the door open when the key wouldn't work."

"Bad weather forced the pilot to change course."

How to Use Force

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPower or strength used to move, change, or compel something — or a group like an army or police force.

Common pairings

brute force police force force someone to by force

Word Forms

forced past tense, forced past tense, forces plural, force plural, forced plural, forces plural, Forces plural, forces singular, force singular, forced singular, forcest singular, forcedst singular, forceth singular, forces singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the explosion shattered every window nearby.

Etymology

From Old French force, from Late Latin fortia, derived from Latin fortis, meaning "strong."

Rhymes for force

enforce divorce reinforce workforce Wilberforce

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