forcible

adjective

forc·​ible ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

1

: effected by force used against opposition or resistance

2

: characterized by force, efficiency, or energy : powerful

forcibleness noun

forcibly

ˈfȯr-sə-blē 

adverb

Examples of forcible in a Sentence

the forcible removal of the rioters

Recent Examples on the Web

Prosecutors wrote in a detention letter that law enforcement agents reported speaking to more than 40 women who described being victims of at least one of the brothers, and each of the brothers have been accused of forcible rape by at least 10 women. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

Leading with helmet, shoulder, forearm, fist, hand or elbow to attack with forcible contact at the head or neck area. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Masterson was found guilty on two counts of forcible rape in May 2023, and a jury was hung on a third charge during the trial after the seven men and five women deliberated for eight days. —Tracy Wright, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024

Both trials included emotional testimony from the three women whose allegations led to Masterson’s three charges of forcible rape. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forcible

• forcible entry

Rhymes for forcible

• enforceable
• unenforceable

Kids Definition

forcible

adjective

forc·​i·​ble

ˈfōr-sə-bəl,

ˈfȯr-

1

: got, made, or done by force or violence

a forcible entrance

2

: forceful

forcibly

-blē

adverb

Legal Definition

forcible

adjective

for·​ci·​ble ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

: effected by force or threat of force used against opposition or resistance

a forcible felony

forcibly adverb