force

part of speech: noun

definition 1: power, energy, or physical strength.

• The force of the wind knocked down the trees.

synonyms: energy, power, strength, vigor

definition 2: the use of such power, energy, or strength.

• It took force to open the jar.

synonyms: effort

definition 3: someone or something with the power to influence or cause change.

• She was the main force behind the city’s smoking ban.

synonyms: power

definition 4: a group of people with a common goal or activity.

• She is a member of the police force.

part of speech: verb

inflections: forces, forcing, forced

definition 1: to make or cause to do something by using strength or power.

• Ivan forced her to tell the truth.

synonyms: compel, make, pressure

definition 2: to cause to do something despite resistance or hesitation.

• The accident forced her to make a difficult decision.

synonyms: compel, oblige

derivation: forced (adj.)

Word History

Force comes from fortis, a Latin word that means “strong.” This Latin word is also the source of our words fort and fortify.