force-feed

verb

force-fed ˈfȯrs-ˌfed How to pronounce force-feed (audio) ; force-feeding
Synonyms of force-feednext

transitive verb

1
: to feed (a person or an animal) by forcible administration of food
2
: to force to take in
force-feed students the classics
also used with a single object
force-feed the classics to students
force-feed students with the classics

Examples of force-feed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Starkly depicting such abuses as force-feeding, strip-searching, and staff bullying, the movie appalled audiences on its release, and the State of Massachusetts quickly banned it from being shown publicly for more than twenty years. News Desk, Artforum, 17 Feb. 2026 In 2014, the Navy threatened to court-martial one of its nurses at Guantánamo who refused to force-feed prisoners on hunger strike, who were protesting inhumane treatment and indefinite detention. Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2026 The case alleges that Doe’s caretakers force-fed her in the days leading up to the visit. Jane Borden, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2026 The Longhorns were the first team this season to take advantage of Vandy’s lack of size — the Commodores are the SEC’s smallest team — force-feeding the ball into 7-footer Matas Vokietaitis, who scored 22 points on 7 of 9 shooting. Cj Moore, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 And later, accusations of sexism flew and one participant quietly admitted to attempting the ordeal (which routinely involves force-feeding challenges) as a vegan. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 Jan. 2026 My identifying Nvidia at $2 a share and almost force-feeding it to Club members — many of them now Nvidia millionaires — gives me a clearer head than most about the chipmaker’s fundamentals. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Jan. 2026 Rashee Rice is back The Chiefs were determined to get Rashee Rice into the end zone, force-feeding him inside the 5-yard line. Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2025 Authorities were provided photos showing the baby with a tape over her mouth and a video of the mom allegedly force-feeding the baby, the arrest report alleges. Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of force-feed was in 1901

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Force-feed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/force-feed. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

force-feed

verb
ˈfō(ə)rs-ˌfēd
ˈfȯ(ə)rs-
force-fed
-ˌfed
; force-feeding
1
: to feed (an animal or person) by forcefully giving food
2
: to force to take in
force-feed the classics to students

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