|
|
force
|
|
- pronunciation:
- fors
- parts of speech:
- noun, verb
- features:
- Word History, Word Explorer
| 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
- similar words:
- effort, might, muscle, stress
|
| definition 2: |
the use of such power, energy, or strength.
It took force to open the jar.- synonyms:
- effort
- similar words:
- action, energy, enforcement, power, violence
|
| 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
- similar words:
- agency, agent, influence, mover, stimulus, strength
|
| definition 4: |
a group of people with a common goal or activity.
She is a member of the police force.- similar words:
- army, association, body, corps, gang, group, legion, troop
|
| related words: |
effect, hand, influence, law, magnetism, momentum, pressure, pull, thrust |
|
|
| 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
- similar words:
- oblige, press, push
|
| definition 2: |
to cause to do something despite resistance or hesitation.
The accident forced her to make a difficult decision.- synonyms:
- compel, oblige
- similar words:
- bind, drive, elbow, press, pressure, propel, push
|
| related words: |
command, exact, jam, make, open, pick, poke, run, thrust, train, wedge |
| derivation: |
forced (adj.) |
Force comes from fortis, a Latin word that means "strong." This Latin word is also the source of our words fort and fortify.
|
|