noun
Common
forcing
FAW-sihng
Forcing (noun) means the act of making something happen, often against natural resistance. Example: “The forcing of the stuck window cracked the old wooden frame.”
noun
1
The act of making something happen, often against natural resistance.
"The forcing of the stuck window cracked the old wooden frame."
"Teachers disliked the forcing of children to speak before they felt ready."
"The forcing of the lock left visible scratch marks."
2
A gardening technique for making plants grow or flower earlier than they naturally would.
"The forcing of rhubarb in dark sheds gives early, pink and tender stalks."
"With careful forcing, her hyacinths were in full bloom by Christmas."
"Forcing bulbs indoors lets you enjoy flowers in midwinter."
How to use forcing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMaking something happen before its natural time, or through pressure rather than naturally.
Common pairings
forcing technique
bulb forcing
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Word forms
- Plural
- forcings
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The _____ of the stuck window cracked the old wooden frame.
Etymology
From force + -ing.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for forcing
See all rhymes for forcing →Frequently asked questions
What does “forcing” mean?
The word “forcing” means the act of making something happen, often against natural resistance. In plain terms, making something happen before its natural time, or through pressure rather than naturally.
How do you pronounce “forcing”?
“Forcing” is pronounced FAW-sihng (/ˈfɔɹ.sɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “forcing” in a sentence?
Here is “forcing” used in a sentence: “The forcing of the lock left visible scratch marks.”
What part of speech is “forcing”?
“Forcing” is a noun.
Is “forcing” a common word?
“Forcing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “forcing” have?
“Forcing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of making something happen, often against natural resistance.
What is the difference between "forcing" something and "encouraging" something?
Forcing means making something happen against natural resistance, implying pressure or compulsion. Encouraging is gentler, prompting or supporting something without compulsion. A forced outcome happens whether or not it is welcome.
What is forced rhubarb?
Forced rhubarb is rhubarb grown using the forcing technique, in warmth and darkness, so it produces tender pink stalks earlier in the year. It is a well-known example of forcing in horticulture.
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