force

²force

verb

forcedforc·ing

Definition of FORCE

transitive verb

1

: to do violence to; especially : rape

2

: to compel by physical, moral, or intellectual means

3

: to make or cause especially through natural or logical necessity <forced to admit my error> <the last minute goal forced overtime>

4

a : to press, drive, pass, or effect against resistance or inertia <force your way through> b : to impose or thrust urgently, importunately, or inexorably <force unwanted attentions on a coworker>

5

: to achieve or win by strength in struggle or violence: as a : to win one's way into <force a castle> <forced the mountain passes> b : to break open or through <force a lock>

6

a : to raise or accelerate to the utmost <forcing the pace> b : to produce only with unnatural or unwilling effort <forced a smile> c : to wrench, strain, or use (language) with marked unnaturalness and lack of ease

7

a : to hasten the rate of progress or growth of b : to bring (as plants) to maturity out of the normal season <forcing lilies for Easter>

8

: to induce (as a particular bid or play by another player) in a card game by some conventional act, play, bid, or response

9

a : to cause (a runner in baseball) to be put out on a force-out b : to cause (a run) to be scored in baseball by giving a base on balls when the bases are full

— forc·er noun

— force one's hand

: to cause one to act precipitously : force one to reveal one's purpose or intention

Examples of FORCE

1. They forced us to work long hours without pay.
2. The flooding forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes.
3. After seeing the evidence, I was forced to admit my error.
4. I am forced to conclude that more funding will be necessary.
5. The pilot was forced to land when one of the plane's engines caught fire.
6. The scandal forced his resignation.
7. Lack of time may eventually force a compromise.
8. They are trying to force a vote on this issue.
9. The runner was forced out of bounds.
10. Their car was forced off the road.

First Known Use of FORCE

14th century

Related to FORCE

Synonyms: blackjack, coerce, compel, constrain, dragoon, drive, impel, impress, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure, sandbag, twist one's arm

Related Words: browbeat, bulldoze, bully, cow, hector, intimidate; blackmail, high-pressure, menace, shame, terrorize, threaten; drag; badger, harass, hound

Near Antonyms: allow, let, permit; argue, convince, induce, move, persuade, prevail (on or upon), satisfy, talk (into), win (over)

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Synonym Discussion of FORCE

force, compel, coerce, constrain, oblige mean to make someone or something yield. force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress <forced to flee for their lives>. compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force <compelled to admit my mistake>. coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure <coerced into signing over the rights>. constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice <constrained by conscience>. oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty <felt obliged to go>.