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.
