Main Entry: de·force

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)dē-ˈfȯrs\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French deforcer, from de- + forcer to force

Date: 15th century

1 : to keep (as lands) by force from the rightful owner
2 : to eject (a person) from possession by force

— de·force·ment \-ˈfȯr-smənt\ noun