force

force / fôrs/ • n. 1. strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement: he was thrown backward by the force of the explosion. ∎  Physics an influence tending to change the motion of a body or produce motion or stress in a stationary body. The magnitude of such an influence is often calculated by multiplying the mass of the body by its acceleration. ∎  a person or thing regarded as exerting power or influence: he might still be a force for peace and unity. ∎  [in comb.] used with a number as a measure of wind strength on the Beaufort scale: a force-nine gale. 2. coercion or compulsion, esp. with the use or threat of violence: they ruled by law and not by force. 3. mental or moral strength or power: the force of popular opinion. ∎  the state of being in effect or valid: the law came into force in January. ∎  the powerful effect of something: the force of her writing is undiminished. 4. an organized body of military personnel or police: a soldier in a UN peacekeeping force. ∎  (forces) troops and weaponry: concealment from enemy forces | fig. a battle between the forces of good and evil. ∎  a group of people brought together and organized for a particular activity: a sales force. ∎  (the force) inf. a police department. 5. Baseball a force out. ∎  a situation in which a force out is possible. • v. [tr.] 1. make a way through or into by physical strength; break open by force: they broke into Fred's house and forced every cupboard door with ax or crowbar. ∎  [tr.] drive or push into a specified position or state using physical strength or against resistance: she forced her feet into flat leather sandals| fig. Fields was forced out as director. ∎  achieve or bring about (something) by coercion or effort: Sabine forced a smile she forced her way up the ladder. ∎  push or strain (something) to the utmost: she knew if she forced it she would rip it. ∎  artificially hasten the development or maturity of (a plant). 2. (often be forced) make (someone) do something against their will: she was forced into early retirement | [tr.] the universities were forced to cut staff. ∎  rape (a woman). ∎  Baseball put out (a runner) , or cause (a runner) to be put out, at the base to which they are advancing when they are forced to run on a batted ball: I was forced at second base as the first half of a double play. ∎  (in cards) make a play or bid that compels another player to make (a particular response); make a play or bid that compels (another player) to make such a response: East could force declarer to ruff another spade PHRASES: by force of by means of: exercising authority by force of arms. force the bidding (at an auction) make bids to raise the price rapidly. force someone's hand make someone do something: the exchange markets may force the Fed's hand. force the issue compel the making of an immediate decision. force the pace adopt a fast pace in a race in order to tire out one's opponents quickly. in force 1. in great strength or numbers: birdwatchers were out in force. 2. in effect; valid: the U.S. has over $8 trillion worth of life insurance in force. PHRASAL VERBS: force something down 1. manage to swallow food or drink when one does not want to: I forced down a slice of toast. 2. compel an aircraft to land: the plane might have been forced down by fighters. force oneself on/upon rape (a woman). force something on/upon impose or press something on (a person or organization): economic cutbacks were forced on the government.DERIVATIVES: force·a·ble adj. forc·er n. ORIGIN: Middle English: from Old French force (noun), forcer (verb), based on Latin fortis ‘strong.’