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

The policy says officers are only allowed to chase for forcible felonies. —Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2024

Jermaine Longmire, 43, was already in police custody for a separate forcible touching incident when cops linked him to the June 24 assault in the Great Hill section of the park near W. 104th St. and West Drive, according to authorities. —Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 3 July 2024

An autopsy found gravel in Virk's lungs, leading the coroner to determine her cause of death to be forcible drowning in the Gorge. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

The complaint details repeated incidents of grooming, groping and forcible rape by guards. —Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 10 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forcible

• forcible entry

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