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force

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
 
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
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.
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  energy, measurement, physics, power