force1
n.
- physical strength or energy as an attribute of action or movement.
▸Physics an influence tending to change the motion of a body or produce motion or stress in a stationary body.
- coercion backed by the use or threat of violence.
- mental or moral power; influence.
▸an influential person or thing.
- an organized body of military personnel, police, or workers.
▸
(forces)
troops and weaponry.
▸
(the forces)
Brit. the army, navy, and air force.
v.
- make (someone) do something against their will.
▸
(force something on/upon)
impose something on.
▸make (a plant) develop or mature faster than normal.
- make a way through or into by force.
▸move or drive with force.
▸achieve by effort.
Phrase
- by force of
by means of. - force the bidding
(at an auction) make bids to raise the price rapidly. - force someone's hand
make someone do something. - force the issue
compel the making of an immediate decision. - in force
- in great strength or numbers.
-
(in/into force)
in or into effect.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. force (n.), forcer (v.), based on L. fortis ‘strong’.