force
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force
(fôrs)n.
1. The capacity to do work or cause physical change; energy, strength, or active power: the force of an explosion.
2.
a. Power made operative against resistance; exertion: use force in driving a nail.
b. The use of physical power or violence to compel or restrain: a confession obtained by force.
3.
a. Intellectual power or vigor, especially as conveyed in writing or speech.
b. Moral strength.
c. A capacity for affecting the mind or behavior; efficacy: the force of logical argumentation.
d. One that possesses such capacity: the forces of evil.
4.
a. A body of persons or other resources organized or available for a certain purpose: a large labor force.
b. A person or group capable of influential action: a retired senator who is still a force in national politics.
5.
a. Military strength.
b. A unit of a nation's military personnel, especially one deployed into combat: Our armed forces have at last engaged the enemy.
6. Physics
a. A vector quantity that tends to produce an acceleration of a body in the direction of its application. Newton's second law of motion states that a free body accelerates in the direction of the applied force and that its acceleration is directly proportional to the force and inversely proportional to its mass.
b. See fundamental force.
7. Baseball A force play.
tr.v. forced, forc·ing, forc·es
Idioms: 1. To compel through pressure or necessity: I forced myself to practice daily. He was forced to take a second job.
2.
a. To gain by the use of force or coercion: force a confession.
b. To move or effect against resistance or inertia: forced my foot into the shoe.
c. To inflict or impose relentlessly: He forced his ideas upon the group.
3.
a. To put undue strain on: She forced her voice despite being hoarse.
b. To increase or accelerate (a pace, for example) to the maximum.
c. To produce with effort and against one's will: force a laugh in spite of pain.
d. To use (language) with obvious lack of ease and naturalness.
4.
a. To move, open, or clear by force: forced our way through the crowd.
b. To break down or open by force: force a lock.
5. To rape.
6. To induce change in (a complex system) by changing one of its parameters: greenhouse gases that force the earth's climate.
7. Botany To cause to grow or mature by artificially accelerating normal processes.
8. Baseball
a. To put (a runner) out on a force play.
b. To allow (a run) to be scored by walking a batter when the bases are loaded.
9. Games To cause an opponent to play (a particular card).
force (oneself) on/upon
To rape.
force (someone's) hand
To force to act or speak prematurely or unwillingly.
in force
1. In full strength; in large numbers: Demonstrators were out in force.
2. In effect; operative: a rule that is no longer in force.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin fortia, from neuter pl. of Latin fortis, strong; see bhergh- in Indo-European roots.]
force′a·ble adj.
forc′er n.
Synonyms: force, compel, coerce, oblige, obligate
These verbs mean to cause one to follow a prescribed or dictated course against one's will. Force, the most general, usually implies the exertion of physical power or the operation of circumstances that permit no options: The driver was forced from his car at gunpoint. A downturn in the market forced us to sell. Compel has a similar range but applies especially to the exertion of legal or moral authority: The official was compelled to testify under the committee's subpoena power. I felt compelled by my conscience to return the money. Coerce implies the application of pressure or threats in securing compliance: "The technology exists to reduce or eliminate these emissions, but industry will not apply it unless coerced" (Andrew Weil).
Oblige implies the operation of authority, necessity, or moral or ethical considerations: "Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do" (Mark Twain).
Obligate applies when compliance is enforced by a legal contract or by the dictates of one's conscience or sense of propriety: I am obligated to repay the loan. See Also Synonyms at strength.
These verbs mean to cause one to follow a prescribed or dictated course against one's will. Force, the most general, usually implies the exertion of physical power or the operation of circumstances that permit no options: The driver was forced from his car at gunpoint. A downturn in the market forced us to sell. Compel has a similar range but applies especially to the exertion of legal or moral authority: The official was compelled to testify under the committee's subpoena power. I felt compelled by my conscience to return the money. Coerce implies the application of pressure or threats in securing compliance: "The technology exists to reduce or eliminate these emissions, but industry will not apply it unless coerced" (Andrew Weil).
Oblige implies the operation of authority, necessity, or moral or ethical considerations: "Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do" (Mark Twain).
Obligate applies when compliance is enforced by a legal contract or by the dictates of one's conscience or sense of propriety: I am obligated to repay the loan. See Also Synonyms at strength.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
force
(fɔːs)n
1. strength or energy; might; power: the force of the blow; a gale of great force.
2. exertion or the use of exertion against a person or thing that resists; coercion
3. (General Physics) physics
a. a dynamic influence that changes a body from a state of rest to one of motion or changes its rate of motion. The magnitude of the force is equal to the product of the mass of the body and its acceleration
b. a static influence that produces an elastic strain in a body or system or bears weight. Symbol: F
4. (General Physics) physics any operating influence that produces or tends to produce a change in a physical quantity: electromotive force; coercive force.
5.
a. intellectual, social, political, or moral influence or strength: the force of his argument; the forces of evil.
b. a person or thing with such influence: he was a force in the land.
6. vehemence or intensity: he spoke with great force.
7. (Military) a group of persons organized for military or police functions: armed forces.
8. the force (sometimes capital) informal the police force
9. a group of persons organized for particular duties or tasks: a workforce.
10. (Law) criminal law violence unlawfully committed or threatened
11. (Philosophy) philosophy logic that which an expression is normally used to achieve. See speech act, illocution, perlocution
12. (Law) (of a law) having legal validity or binding effect
13. in great strength or numbers
14. join forces to combine strengths, efforts, etc
vb (tr)
15. to compel or cause (a person, group, etc) to do something through effort, superior strength, etc; coerce
16. to acquire, secure, or produce through effort, superior strength, etc: to force a confession.
17. to propel or drive despite resistance: to force a nail into wood.
18. to break down or open (a lock, safe, door, etc)
19. to impose or inflict: he forced his views on them.
20. (Agriculture) to cause (plants or farm animals) to grow or fatten artificially at an increased rate
21. to strain or exert to the utmost: to force the voice.
22. to rape; ravish
23. (Card Games) cards
a. to compel (a player) to trump in order to take a trick
b. to compel a player by the lead of a particular suit to play (a certain card)
c. (in bridge) to induce (a bid) from one's partner by bidding in a certain way
24. force a smile to make oneself smile
25. force down to compel an aircraft to land
26. force the pace to adopt a high speed or rate of procedure
[C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin fortia (unattested), from Latin fortis strong]
ˈforceable adj
ˈforceless adj
ˈforcer n
ˈforcingly adv
force
(fɔːs)n
(in northern England) a waterfall
[C17: from Old Norse fors]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
force
(fɔrs, foʊrs)n., v. forced, forc•ing. n.
1. physical power or strength: to pull with all one's force.
2. strength exerted upon an object; physical coercion; violence: to use force to open a door.
3. strength; energy; power: the force of the waves; a personality of great force.
4. power to influence, affect, or control; efficacious power: the force of circumstances.
5. Law. unlawful violence threatened or committed against persons or property.
6. persuasive power; power to convince: the force of an argument.
7. mental or moral strength: force of character.
8. might, as of a ruler or realm; strength for war.
9. Often, forces. the military or fighting strength, esp. of a nation.
10. any body of persons combined for joint action: a sales force.
11. intensity or strength of effect: the force of her acting.
12. Physics.
a. an influence on a body or system, producing or tending to produce a change in movement or shape or other effects.
13. any influence or agency analogous to physical force: social forces.
14. binding power, as of a contract.
15. force play.
16. value; significance; meaning.
v.t. 17. to compel, constrain, or oblige (oneself or someone) to do something: to force a suspect to confess.
18. to drive or propel against resistance.
19. to bring about or effect by force.
20. to bring about of necessity or as a necessary result: to force a smile.
21. to put or impose (something or someone) forcibly on or upon a person: to force one's opinions on others.
22. to obtain or draw forth by or as if by force; extort: to force a confession.
23. to enter or take by force; overpower: They forced the town after a long siege.
24. to break open (a door, lock, etc.).
25. to cause (plants, fruits, etc.) to grow or mature at an increased rate by artificial means.
26. to press or urge (an animal, person, etc.) to violent effort or to the utmost.
27. to use force upon.
28. to rape.
29. Baseball.
a. to cause (a base runner) to be put out in a force play.
b. to cause (a base runner or run) to score, as by walking a batter with the bases full (often fol. by in).
30. (in cards)
v.i. a. to compel (a player) to trump by leading a suit of which the player has no cards.
b. to compel a player to play (a particular card).
c. to compel (a player) to play so as to make known the strength of the hand.
31. to make one's way by force.
Idioms: in force,
a. in operation; effective: a rule no longer in force.
b. in large numbers; at full strength: to attack in force.
[1250–1300; Middle English < Middle French < Vulgar Latin *fortia, derivative of Latin fortis strong]
force′a•ble, adj.
force′less, adj.
forc′er, n.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
force
(fôrs)1. Something that causes a body to move, changes its speed or direction, or distorts its shape. One force may be counteracted by another, so that there is no change or distortion.
2. Any of the four natural phenomena exerting an influence between particles of matter. From the strongest to the weakest, these four forces are the strong nuclear force, the electromagnetic force, the weak nuclear force, and gravity.
Did You Know? The verb force might make you think of pushing really hard on a stuck door or of banging the bottom of a stubborn ketchup bottle. The scientific meaning of the noun force also involves getting an object to move. In the mid-1600s, the great English physicist Isaac Newton figured out that the amount of force needed to move an object was directly related to both the mass of the object and how it is accelerated. (Pushing a pebble clearly takes less force than pushing a boulder, and pushing a boulder quickly obviously takes more force than pushing it slowly.) What is now known as Newton's second law of motion sets down this relationship quantitatively: Force equals mass times acceleration, or F = ma. You see this equation in action every time you step on a scale. Your weight is actually the downward force that results from your body mass being pulled—accelerated—by gravity. Remember that acceleration here means a change in direction or in speed, either faster or slower. A boat that bumps a dock comes momentarily to a standstill. That rapid decrease in speed multiplied by the mass of the boat is the force with which the boat hits the dock.
The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary, Second Edition. Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
force
1. An aggregation of military personnel, weapon systems, equipment, and necessary support, or combination thereof.
2. A major subdivision of a fleet.
2. A major subdivision of a fleet.
Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.
Force
a body of men prepared for action, 1375; a body of police; policemen collectively, 1851. See also army, host, troop.Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
force
Past participle: forced
Gerund: forcing
| Imperative |
|---|
| force |
| force |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
force
1. Something applied which alters a body’s state of rest or motion.
2. A technique of inducing a plant to flower, fruit, or grow out of season by controlling the environment.
Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words by Diagram Group Copyright © 2008 by Diagram Visual Information Limited
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
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| Noun | 1. | force - a powerful effect or influence; "the force of his eloquence easily persuaded them" influence - a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc; "used her parents' influence to get the job" pressure - a force that compels; "the public brought pressure to bear on the government" duress - compulsory force or threat; "confessed under duress" heartbeat - an animating or vital unifying force; "New York is the commercial heartbeat of America" lifeblood - an essential or life-giving force; "water is the lifeblood of India" wheel - forces that provide energy and direction; "the wheels of government began to turn" |
| 2. | force - (physics) the influence that produces a change in a physical quantity; "force equals mass times acceleration" natural philosophy, physics - the science of matter and energy and their interactions; "his favorite subject was physics" physical phenomenon - a natural phenomenon involving the physical properties of matter and energy aerodynamic force - forces acting on airfoils in motion relative to the air (or other gaseous fluids) chemical attraction, affinity - the force attracting atoms to each other and binding them together in a molecule; "basic dyes have an affinity for wool and silk" attraction, attractive force - the force by which one object attracts another repulsion, repulsive force - the force by which bodies repel one another centrifugal force - the outward force on a body moving in a curved path around another body centripetal force - the inward force on a body moving in a curved path around another body cohesion - (physics) the intermolecular force that holds together the molecules in a solid or liquid Coriolis force - (physics) a force due to the earth's rotation; acts on a body in motion (airplane or projectile) in a rotating reference frame; in a rotating frame of reference Newton's second law of motion can be made to apply if in addition to the real forces acting on a body a Coriolis force and a centrifugal force are introduced Lorentz force - the force experienced by a point charge moving along a wire that is in a magnetic field; the force is at right angles to both the current and the magnetic field; "the Lorentz force can be used to suspend a current-carrying object between two magnets" moment - a turning force produced by an object acting at a distance (or a measure of that force) propulsion - a propelling force pull - the force used in pulling; "the pull of the moon"; "the pull of the current" thrust, push - the force used in pushing; "the push of the water on the walls of the tank"; "the thrust of the jet engines" reaction - (mechanics) the equal and opposite force that is produced when any force is applied to a body; "every action has an equal and opposite reaction" stress - (physics) force that produces strain on a physical body; "the intensity of stress is expressed in units of force divided by units of area" magnetomotive force - the force that produces magnetic flux elan vital, life force, vital force, vitality - (biology) a hypothetical force (not physical or chemical) once thought by Henri Bergson to cause the evolution and development of organisms | |
| 3. | force - physical energy or intensity; "he hit with all the force he could muster"; "it was destroyed by the strength of the gale"; "a government has not the vitality and forcefulness of a living man" brunt - main force of a blow etc; "bore the brunt of the attack" vigor, vigour, energy, zip - forceful exertion; "he plays tennis with great energy"; "he's full of zip" intensiveness, intensity - high level or degree; the property of being intense | |
| 4. |  force - group of people willing to obey orders; "a public force is necessary to give security to the rights of citizens"organization, organisation - a group of people who work together guerilla force, guerrilla force - an irregular armed force that fights by sabotage and harassment; often rural and organized in large groups armed forces, armed services, military, military machine, war machine - the military forces of a nation; "their military is the largest in the region"; "the military machine is the same one we faced in 1991 but now it is weaker" paramilitary, paramilitary force, paramilitary organisation, paramilitary organization, paramilitary unit - a group of civilians organized in a military fashion (especially to operate in place of or to assist regular army troops) constabulary, police, police force, law - the force of policemen and officers; "the law came looking for him" private security force, security force - a privately employed group hired to protect the security of a business or industry military police, MP - a military corps that enforces discipline and guards prisoners patrol - a group that goes through a region at regular intervals for the purpose of security rank and file, rank - the ordinary members of an organization (such as the enlisted soldiers of an army); "the strike was supported by the union rank and file"; "he rose from the ranks to become a colonel" staff - personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task; "the hospital has an excellent nursing staff"; "the general relied on his staff to make routine decisions" line personnel - personnel having direct job performance responsibilities management personnel - personnel having overall planning and direction responsibilities | |
| 5. |  force - a unit that is part of some military service; "he sent Caesar a force of six thousand men"trip wire - a small military force that serves as a first line of defense; if they become engaged in hostilities it will trigger the intervention of stronger military forces social unit, unit - an organization regarded as part of a larger social group; "the coach said the offensive unit did a good job"; "after the battle the soldier had trouble rejoining his unit" command - a military unit or region under the control of a single officer enemy - an opposing military force; "the enemy attacked at dawn" task force - a temporary military unit formed to accomplish a particular objective army unit - a military unit that is part of an army naval unit - a military unit that is part of a navy air unit - a military unit that is part of the airforce armed forces, armed services, military, military machine, war machine - the military forces of a nation; "their military is the largest in the region"; "the military machine is the same one we faced in 1991 but now it is weaker" mujahadeen, mujahadein, mujahadin, mujahedeen, mujahedin, mujahideen, mujahidin - a military force of Muslim guerilla warriors engaged in a jihad; "some call the mujahidin international warriors but others just call them terrorists" guard - a military unit serving to protect some place or person legion - a large military unit; "the French Foreign Legion" echelon - a body of troops arranged in a line phalanx - a body of troops in close array Republican Guard - formerly Iraq's elite military unit whose primary role was to protect the government in Baghdad Haganah - the clandestine military wing of the Jewish leadership during the British rule over the mandate of Palestine from 1920 to 1948; became the basis for the Israeli defense force IDF, Israeli Defense Force - the ground and air and naval forces of Israel commando - an amphibious military unit trained for raids into enemy territory contingent, detail - a temporary military unit; "the peacekeeping force includes one British contingent" headquarters - (plural) a military unit consisting of a commander and the headquarters staff spearhead - the leading military unit in an attack military man, serviceman, man, military personnel - someone who serves in the armed forces; a member of a military force; "two men stood sentry duty" | |
| 6. |  force - an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists); "he may accomplish by craft in the long run what he cannot do by force and violence in the short one"aggression, hostility - violent action that is hostile and usually unprovoked domestic violence - violence or physical abuse directed toward your spouse or domestic partner; usually violence by men against women road rage - violence exhibited by drivers in traffic public violence, riot - a public act of violence by an unruly mob | |
| 7. | force - one possessing or exercising power or influence or authority; "the mysterious presence of an evil power"; "may the force be with you"; "the forces of evil" causal agency, causal agent, cause - any entity that produces an effect or is responsible for events or results juggernaut, steamroller - a massive inexorable force that seems to crush everything in its way influence - one having power to influence another; "she was the most important influence in my life"; "he was a bad influence on the children" Moloch - a tyrannical power to be propitiated by human subservience or sacrifice; "the great Moloch of war"; "duty has become the Moloch of modern life"- Norman Douglas | |
| 8. | force - a group of people having the power of effective action; "he joined forces with a band of adventurers" social group - people sharing some social relation | |
| 9. | force - (of a law) having legal validity; "the law is still in effect" law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order" | |
| 10. | force - a putout of a base runner who is required to run; the putout is accomplished by holding the ball while touching the base to which the runner must advance before the runner reaches that base; "the shortstop got the runner at second on a force" putout - an out resulting from a fielding play (not a strikeout); "the first baseman made 15 putouts" baseball, baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played baseball in high school"; "there was a baseball game on every empty lot"; "there was a desire for National League ball in the area"; "play ball!" | |
| Verb | 1. | force - to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means :"She forced him to take a job in the city"; "He squeezed her for information" turn up the heat, turn up the pressure - apply great or increased pressure; "The Democrats turned up the heat on their candidate to concede the election" drive - to compel or force or urge relentlessly or exert coercive pressure on, or motivate strongly; "She is driven by her passion" bludgeon - overcome or coerce as if by using a heavy club; "The teacher bludgeoned the students into learning the math formulas" steamroll, steamroller - bring to a specified state by overwhelming force or pressure; "The Senator steamrollered the bill to defeat" squeeze for - squeeze someone for money, information, etc. dragoon, railroad, sandbag - compel by coercion, threats, or crude means; "They sandbagged him to make dinner for everyone" compel, obligate, oblige - force somebody to do something; "We compel all students to fill out this form" bring oneself - cause to undertake a certain action, usually used in the negative; "He could not bring himself to call his parents" |
| 2. | force - urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate | |
| 3. | force - move with force, "He pushed the table into a corner" nudge, poke at, prod - to push against gently; "She nudged my elbow when she saw her friend enter the restaurant" push, press - make strenuous pushing movements during birth to expel the baby; "`Now push hard,' said the doctor to the woman" force back, push back, repel, beat back, repulse, drive - cause to move back by force or influence; "repel the enemy"; "push back the urge to smoke"; "beat back the invaders" shove - push roughly; "the people pushed and shoved to get in line" flick, jerk - throw or toss with a quick motion; "flick a piece of paper across the table"; "jerk his head" move, displace - cause to move or shift into a new position or place, both in a concrete and in an abstract sense; "Move those boxes into the corner, please"; "I'm moving my money to another bank"; "The director moved more responsibilities onto his new assistant" shove, jostle - come into rough contact with while moving; "The passengers jostled each other in the overcrowded train" push - press against forcefully without moving; "she pushed against the wall with all her strength" nose - push or move with the nose push aside, push away - push out of the way muscle into - force one's way; "He muscled into the union" push up - push upward thrust - push forcefully; "He thrust his chin forward" drive - urge forward; "drive the cows into the barn" jam - push down forcibly; "The driver jammed the brake pedal to the floor" stuff, thrust, shove, squeeze - press or force; "Stuff money into an envelope"; "She thrust the letter into his hand" | |
| 4. | force - impose urgently, importunately, or inexorably; "She forced her diet fads on him" | |
| 5. |  force - squeeze like a wedge into a tight space; "I squeezed myself into the corner"impact - press or wedge together; pack together | |
| 6. | force - force into or from an action or state, either physically or metaphorically; "She rammed her mind into focus"; "He drives me mad" drive - compel somebody to do something, often against his own will or judgment; "She finally drove him to change jobs" thrust - push forcefully; "He thrust his chin forward" drive - to compel or force or urge relentlessly or exert coercive pressure on, or motivate strongly; "She is driven by her passion" | |
| 7. | force - cause to move by pulling; "draw a wagon"; "pull a sled" twitch - move or pull with a sudden motion pull back - move to a rearward position; pull towards the back; "Pull back your arms!" adduct - draw a limb towards the body; "adduct the thigh muscle" abduct - pull away from the body; "this muscle abducts" stretch - pull in opposite directions; "During the Inquisition, the torturers would stretch their victims on a rack" pluck, plunk, pick - pull lightly but sharply with a plucking motion; "he plucked the strings of his mandolin" tug - pull or strain hard at; "Each oar was tugged by several men" drag - pull, as against a resistance; "He dragged the big suitcase behind him"; "These worries were dragging at him" attract, pull in, draw in, pull, draw - direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes; "Her good looks attract the stares of many men"; "The ad pulled in many potential customers"; "This pianist pulls huge crowds"; "The store owner was happy that the ad drew in many new customers" winch - pull or lift up with or as if with a winch; "winch up the slack line" pull - apply force so as to cause motion towards the source of the motion; "Pull the rope"; "Pull the handle towards you"; "pull the string gently"; "pull the trigger of the gun"; "pull your knees towards your chin" | |
| 8. | force - do forcibly; exert force; "Don't force it!" pull - apply force so as to cause motion towards the source of the motion; "Pull the rope"; "Pull the handle towards you"; "pull the string gently"; "pull the trigger of the gun"; "pull your knees towards your chin" act, move - perform an action, or work out or perform (an action); "think before you act"; "We must move quickly"; "The governor should act on the new energy bill"; "The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel" squirt, eject, force out, squeeze out - cause to come out in a squirt; "the boy squirted water at his little sister" | |
| 9. | force - take by force; "Storm the fort" |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
force
verb
1. compel, make, drive, press, pressure, urge, overcome, oblige, railroad (informal), constrain, necessitate, coerce, impel, strong-arm (informal), dragoon, pressurize, press-gang, put the squeeze on (informal), obligate, twist (someone's) arm, put the screws on (informal), bring pressure to bear upon They forced him to work for them at gun point.
noun
1. compulsion, pressure, violence, enforcement, constraint, oppression, coercion, duress, arm-twisting (informal) calls for the siege to be ended by force
2. power, might, pressure, energy, stress, strength, impact, muscle, momentum, impulse, stimulus, vigour, potency, dynamism, welly (slang), life slamming the door behind her with all her force
power weakness, impotence, frailty, fragility, powerlessness, ineffectiveness, debility, feebleness, irresolution, enervation
power weakness, impotence, frailty, fragility, powerlessness, ineffectiveness, debility, feebleness, irresolution, enervation
3. agency, means, power, medium, influence, vehicle, instrument, mechanism, instrumentality, operation The army was the most powerful political force.
4. influence, power, effect, authority, weight, strength, punch (informal), significance, effectiveness, validity, efficacy, soundness, persuasiveness, cogency, bite He changed our world through the force of his ideas.
5. intensity, vigour, vehemence, fierceness, drive, emphasis, persistence She took a step back from the force of his rage.
6. army, unit, division, corps, company, body, host, troop, squad, patrol, regiment, battalion, legion, squadron, detachment a pan-European peace-keeping force
in force
7. valid, working, current, effective, binding, operative, operational, in operation, on the statute book The new tax is already in force.
8. in great numbers, all together, in full strength Voters turned out in force.
Quotations
"Force without reason falls of its own weight" [Horace Odes]
"There is no real force without justice" [Napoleon Maxims]
"Where force is necessary, there it must be applied boldly, decisively and completely. But one must know the limitations of force; one must know when to blend force with a manoeuvre, a blow with an agreement" [Leon Trotsky What Next?]
"Force is as pitiless to the man who possesses it, or thinks he does, as it is to its victims; the second it crushes, the first it intoxicates. The truth is, nobody really possesses it" [Simone Weil The Iliad or the Poem of Force]
"Force without reason falls of its own weight" [Horace Odes]
"There is no real force without justice" [Napoleon Maxims]
"Where force is necessary, there it must be applied boldly, decisively and completely. But one must know the limitations of force; one must know when to blend force with a manoeuvre, a blow with an agreement" [Leon Trotsky What Next?]
"Force is as pitiless to the man who possesses it, or thinks he does, as it is to its victims; the second it crushes, the first it intoxicates. The truth is, nobody really possesses it" [Simone Weil The Iliad or the Poem of Force]
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
force
noun1. Capacity or power for work or vigorous activity:
2. Power used to overcome resistance:
4. The strong effect exerted by one person or thing on another:
5. The capacity to exert an influence:
1. To cause (a person or thing) to act or move in spite of resistance:
2. To compel by pressure or threats:
Informal: hijack, strong-arm.
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
nutitsílasílyvynutitletectvo
tvingekraftstyrkekraftenmagt
pakottaavoimaväkivaltavalta
כח
prisilitisila
erõszakolkarhatalomkatonai erõkierõszakolkikényszerít
afl, krafturmannafli, liîsafliná/gera meî erfiîismunumòvinga, neyîa
力強いる
강요하다힘
cogo
forsuotasgalingasjėgakaro pajėgospajėgos
bruņotie spēkiizspiestkaraspēkspiespiestspēki
forţă
prinútiť sasila
silasilitivlomitimoč
styrkatvingakraft
กำลังบังคับ
cưỡng éplực
force
[fɔːs]A. N
1. (= strength) → fuerza f
the building took the full force of the blast → el edificio recibió toda la fuerza or todo el impacto de la explosión
to do sth by force → hacer algo por la fuerza
they removed him from the bar by force → lo sacaron del bar a la fuerza or por la fuerza
by force of arms → por la fuerza de las armas
by force of circumstance(s) → debido a las circunstancias
by sheer force (physical) → sólo a base de fuerza
by (sheer) force of numbers → por pura superioridad numérica
she tried to convert people by force of argument → intentaba convencer a la gente a fuerza de or a base de argumentos
by or through sheer force of personality → a fuerza de or a base de puro carácter
from force of habit → por la fuerza de la costumbre
the force of gravity → la fuerza de la gravedad
the police were out in force → la policía había salido en masa, había un enorme despliegue policial
to resort to force → recurrir a la fuerza
to use force → hacer uso de la fuerza
see also brute B
the building took the full force of the blast → el edificio recibió toda la fuerza or todo el impacto de la explosión
to do sth by force → hacer algo por la fuerza
they removed him from the bar by force → lo sacaron del bar a la fuerza or por la fuerza
by force of arms → por la fuerza de las armas
by force of circumstance(s) → debido a las circunstancias
by sheer force (physical) → sólo a base de fuerza
by (sheer) force of numbers → por pura superioridad numérica
she tried to convert people by force of argument → intentaba convencer a la gente a fuerza de or a base de argumentos
by or through sheer force of personality → a fuerza de or a base de puro carácter
from force of habit → por la fuerza de la costumbre
the force of gravity → la fuerza de la gravedad
the police were out in force → la policía había salido en masa, había un enorme despliegue policial
to resort to force → recurrir a la fuerza
to use force → hacer uso de la fuerza
see also brute B
3. (= influence) → fuerza f
the social and economic forces that influence our decisions → las fuerzas sociales y económicas que influyen en nuestras decisiones
he is a powerful force in the trade union movement → es una persona con mucho peso dentro del movimiento sindicalista
the forces of evil → las fuerzas del mal
the forces of nature → las fuerzas de la naturaleza
Janet is obviously a force to be reckoned with → Janet es sin lugar a dudas una persona a (la que hay que) tener en cuenta
see also driving, join, life, market
the social and economic forces that influence our decisions → las fuerzas sociales y económicas que influyen en nuestras decisiones
he is a powerful force in the trade union movement → es una persona con mucho peso dentro del movimiento sindicalista
the forces of evil → las fuerzas del mal
the forces of nature → las fuerzas de la naturaleza
Janet is obviously a force to be reckoned with → Janet es sin lugar a dudas una persona a (la que hay que) tener en cuenta
see also driving, join, life, market
B. VT
1. (= compel) [+ person] → obligar, forzar
she was forced to the conclusion that → se vio obligada or forzada a concluir que ...
to force sb to do sth → obligar or forzar a algn a hacer algo
I am forced to admit that → me veo obligado or forzado a admitir que ...
I had to force myself to pick it up → tuve que obligarme or forzarme a recogerlo del suelo
I had to force myself to stay calm → tuve que obligarme or forzarme a permanecer sereno
to force sb into doing sth → obligar or forzar a algn a hacer algo
they forced me into signing the agreement → me obligaron or forzaron a firmar el acuerdo
to force sb into a corner (fig) → arrinconar a algn
to force sb's hand (intentionally) → apretar las tuercas or las clavijas a algn; (by circumstances) → no dejar a algn más remedio que actuar
she was forced to the conclusion that → se vio obligada or forzada a concluir que ...
to force sb to do sth → obligar or forzar a algn a hacer algo
I am forced to admit that → me veo obligado or forzado a admitir que ...
I had to force myself to pick it up → tuve que obligarme or forzarme a recogerlo del suelo
I had to force myself to stay calm → tuve que obligarme or forzarme a permanecer sereno
to force sb into doing sth → obligar or forzar a algn a hacer algo
they forced me into signing the agreement → me obligaron or forzaron a firmar el acuerdo
to force sb into a corner (fig) → arrinconar a algn
to force sb's hand (intentionally) → apretar las tuercas or las clavijas a algn; (by circumstances) → no dejar a algn más remedio que actuar
2. (= impose)
to force sth on sb → imponer algo a algn
he forced his views on them → les impuso su punto de vista
the decision was forced on him → la decisión le fue or le vino impuesta
to force o.s. on sb: I don't want to force myself on you, but → no quisiera importunarte (con mi presencia), pero ...
he forced himself on one of the girls (sexually) → forzó a una de las chicas
to force sth on sb → imponer algo a algn
he forced his views on them → les impuso su punto de vista
the decision was forced on him → la decisión le fue or le vino impuesta
to force o.s. on sb: I don't want to force myself on you, but → no quisiera importunarte (con mi presencia), pero ...
he forced himself on one of the girls (sexually) → forzó a una de las chicas
3. (= push, squeeze)
he forced the clothes into the suitcase → metió la ropa en la maleta a la fuerza → embutió la ropa en la maleta
they forced their way into the flat → se metieron en el piso a or por la fuerza
the lorry forced the car off the road → el camión obligó or forzó al coche a salirse de la carretera → el camión hizo que el coche se saliera de la carretera
he was forced out of office → lo obligaron or forzaron a dimitir del cargo
she forced her way through the crowd → se abrió paso entre la muchedumbre a or por la fuerza
to force a bill through Parliament → hacer que se apruebe un proyecto de ley en el Parlamento
he forced the clothes into the suitcase → metió la ropa en la maleta a la fuerza → embutió la ropa en la maleta
they forced their way into the flat → se metieron en el piso a or por la fuerza
the lorry forced the car off the road → el camión obligó or forzó al coche a salirse de la carretera → el camión hizo que el coche se saliera de la carretera
he was forced out of office → lo obligaron or forzaron a dimitir del cargo
she forced her way through the crowd → se abrió paso entre la muchedumbre a or por la fuerza
to force a bill through Parliament → hacer que se apruebe un proyecto de ley en el Parlamento
5. (= exert, strain) [+ voice] → forzar
to force the pace (lit) → forzar el ritmo or la marcha (fig) → forzar la marcha de los acontecimientos
don't force the situation → no fuerces la situación
to force the pace (lit) → forzar el ritmo or la marcha (fig) → forzar la marcha de los acontecimientos
don't force the situation → no fuerces la situación
6. (= produce with effort) [+ answer] → forzar
to force a smile → forzar una sonrisa, sonreír de manera forzada
to force a smile → forzar una sonrisa, sonreír de manera forzada
7. (Hort, Agr) [+ vegetable, fruit] → acelerar el crecimiento de
force back VT + ADV
1. [+ crowd, enemy] → obligar a retroceder, hacer retroceder (a la fuerza)
2. [+ laughter, tears] → contener
she forced back her desire to laugh → contuvo las ganas de reírse
to force back one's tears → contener las lágrimas
she forced back her desire to laugh → contuvo las ganas de reírse
to force back one's tears → contener las lágrimas
force down VT + ADV
force out VT + ADV
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
force
[ˈfɔːrs] n
(= influential factor) → force f
outside forces (= external factors) → forces extérieures
Society is apparently directed by outside forces → La société est apparemment contrôlée par des forces extérieures.
from force of habit, through force of habit → par la force de l'habitude
by force of circumstance → par la force des choses
outside forces (= external factors) → forces extérieures
Society is apparently directed by outside forces → La société est apparemment contrôlée par des forces extérieures.
from force of habit, through force of habit → par la force de l'habitude
by force of circumstance → par la force des choses
the forces of evil → les forces du mal
(= coercion) → force f
by force → par la force
by force of arms (= by military power) → à la force des armes
by force → par la force
by force of arms (= by military power) → à la force des armes
the sales force (= team) → la force de vente
to be in force (= in operation) [law, system] → être en vigueur
No-smoking rules are now in force → Un règlement qui interdit de fumer est maintenant en vigueur.
to come into force → entrer en vigueur
No-smoking rules are now in force → Un règlement qui interdit de fumer est maintenant en vigueur.
to come into force → entrer en vigueur
npl
the Forces (British) → l'armée f
the Forces (British) → l'armée f
vt
(= compel) → forcer
to force sb to do sth → forcer qn à faire qch
They forced him to open the safe → Ils l'ont forcé à ouvrir le coffre-fort.
to force o.s. to do sth → se forcer à faire qch
to force sth on sb → imposer qch à qn
to force sb to do sth → forcer qn à faire qch
They forced him to open the safe → Ils l'ont forcé à ouvrir le coffre-fort.
to force o.s. to do sth → se forcer à faire qch
to force sth on sb → imposer qch à qn
(= push roughly) → forcer
to force one's way somewhere
He was trying to force his way into the building → Il essayait de forcer l'entrée du bâtiment.
to force one's way through the crowd → se frayer un chemin à travers la foule
to force one's way somewhere
He was trying to force his way into the building → Il essayait de forcer l'entrée du bâtiment.
to force one's way through the crowd → se frayer un chemin à travers la foule
[+ lock, door, window] → forcer
[+ crowd, enemy] → repousser
[+ tears] → refouler
to be forced off [player] → devoir quitter le terrain
force down
vt [+ food] → se forcer à mangerforce off
vt (= force to leave) to force a farmer off his land → expulser un fermier de ses terresto be forced off [player] → devoir quitter le terrain
force out
vt (= expel) → faire sortir par la force
to be forced out of sth [+ position] → contraindre à quitter qch
to be forced out of sth [+ position] → contraindre à quitter qch
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
force
n
no pl (= physical strength, power) → Kraft f; (of blow, impact, collision) → Wucht f; (= physical coercion) → Gewalt f; (Phys) → Kraft f; to resort to force → Gewalt anwenden; to settle something by force → etw gewaltsam or durch Gewalt beilegen; by sheer force → durch reine Gewalt; by or through sheer force of numbers → aufgrund or auf Grund zahlenmäßiger Überlegenheit; there is a force 5 wind blowing → es herrscht Windstärke 5; the force of the wind was so great he could hardly stand → der Wind war so stark, dass er kaum stehen konnte; they were there in force → sie waren in großer Zahl da; they came in force → sie kamen in großer Zahl or Stärke
no pl (fig) (of argument) → Überzeugungskraft f; (of music, phrase) → Eindringlichkeit f; (of character) → Stärke f; (of words) → Macht f; that was force of habit → das war die Macht der Gewohnheit; by or from force of habit → aus Gewohnheit; by force of will → durch Willensanstrengung or Willenskraft; the force of circumstances → der Druck der Verhältnisse; I see the force of what he is saying → ich sehe ein, was er sagt, ist zwingend
(= powerful thing, person) → Macht f; Forces of Nature → Naturgewalten pl; there are various forces at work here → hier sind verschiedene Kräfte am Werk; he is a powerful force in the reform movement → er ist ein einflussreicher Mann in der Reformbewegung ? life force
(= body of men) the forces (Mil) → die Streitkräfte pl; the (police) force → die Polizei; to join forces → sich zusammentun ? sales force, workforce
to come into/be in force → in Kraft treten/sein
vt
(= compel) → zwingen; to force somebody/oneself to do something → jdn/sich zwingen, etw zu tun; he was forced to resign → er wurde gezwungen zurückzutreten; (= felt obliged to) → er sah sich gezwungen zurückzutreten; he was forced to conclude that … → er sah sich zu der Folgerung gezwungen or gedrängt, dass …
(= extort, obtain by force) → erzwingen; he forced a confession out of or from me → er erzwang ein Geständnis von mir; to force an error (Sport) → einen Fehler erzwingen, den Gegner ausspielen
to force something (up)on somebody (present, one’s company) → jdm etw aufdrängen; conditions, obedience → jdm etw auferlegen; conditions, decision, war → jdm etw aufzwingen; he forced himself on her (sexually) → er tat ihr Gewalt an
(= break open) → aufbrechen; to force (an) entry → sich (dat) → gewaltsam Zugang or Zutritt verschaffen
(= push, squeeze) to force books into a box → Bücher in eine Kiste zwängen; the liquid is forced up the tube by a pump → die Flüssigkeit wird von einer Pumpe durch das Rohr nach oben gepresst; if it won’t open/go in, don’t force it → wenn es nicht aufgeht/passt, wende keine Gewalt an; to force one’s way into something → sich (dat) → gewaltsam Zugang zu etw or in etw (acc) → verschaffen; to force one’s way through → sich (dat) → gewaltsam einen Weg bahnen; to force a car off the road → ein Auto von der Fahrbahn drängen; to force a bill through parliament → eine Gesetzesvorlage durch das Parlament peitschen
plants → treiben
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
force
[fɔːs]1. n
a. (gen) → forza
to resort to force → ricorrere alla violenza
force of gravity → forza di gravità
a force 5 wind → un vento forza 5
the forces of evil (fig) → le forze del male
by force → con la forza
by force of habit → per abitudine
by sheer force of character, he ... → grazie alla sua forza di carattere, lui...
to be in force (Law) → essere in vigore
to come into force (Law) → entrare in vigore
to turn out in force → manifestare in gran numero or in massa
to resort to force → ricorrere alla violenza
force of gravity → forza di gravità
a force 5 wind → un vento forza 5
the forces of evil (fig) → le forze del male
by force → con la forza
by force of habit → per abitudine
by sheer force of character, he ... → grazie alla sua forza di carattere, lui...
to be in force (Law) → essere in vigore
to come into force (Law) → entrare in vigore
to turn out in force → manifestare in gran numero or in massa
b. (body of men) → gruppo (Mil) → forza
the force (police force) → la polizia, il corpo di polizia
the sales force (Comm) → l'effettivo dei rappresentanti
the force (police force) → la polizia, il corpo di polizia
the sales force (Comm) → l'effettivo dei rappresentanti
c. the Forces (Brit) (Mil) → le forze armate
2. vt
b. (impose) to force sth on sb → imporre qc a qn
to force o.s. on sb → imporsi a qn, imporre la propria presenza a qn
to force o.s. on sb → imporsi a qn, imporre la propria presenza a qn
c. (push, squeeze) → schiacciare
he forced the clothes into the suitcase → ha fatto entrare a forza i vestiti nella valigia
to force one's way into → entrare con la forza in
to force one's way through (crowd) → farsi strada tra (opening) → penetrare a forza in, passare a forza attraverso
he forced the clothes into the suitcase → ha fatto entrare a forza i vestiti nella valigia
to force one's way into → entrare con la forza in
to force one's way through (crowd) → farsi strada tra (opening) → penetrare a forza in, passare a forza attraverso
d. (break open, lock) → forzare
to force an entry → entrare con la forza
to force sb's hand (fig) → forzare la mano a qn
to force an entry → entrare con la forza
to force sb's hand (fig) → forzare la mano a qn
e. (produce with effort) to force a smile/a reply → sforzarsi di sorridere/rispondere
don't force the situation → non forzare le cose
don't force the situation → non forzare le cose
f. (obtain by force, smile, confession) → strappare
force out vt + adv (person) → costringere ad uscire; (cork) → far uscire con la forza
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
force
(foːs) noun1. strength or power that can be felt. the force of the wind.
2. a person or thing that has great power. the forces of Nature.
3. (sometimes with capital) a group of men prepared for action. the police force; the Royal Air Force.
verb1. to make (someone or something) do something, go somewhere etc, often against his etc will. He forced me to give him money.
2. to achieve by strength or effort. He forced a smile despite his grief.
forced adjective done with great effort. a forced march.
ˈforceful adjective powerful. a forceful argument.
ˈforcefully adverbˈforces noun plural
the army, navy and air force considered together. The Forces played a large part in the parade.
in/into force in or into operation; working or effective. The new law is now in force.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
force
→ قُوَّة, يُجْبِرُ nutit, síla styrke, tvinge Kraft, zwingen εξαναγκάζω, ισχύς fuerza, obligar pakottaa, voima force, forcer prisiliti, sila forza, forzare 力, 強いる 강요하다, 힘 dwingen, macht styrke, tvinge siła, zmusić força, forçar принуждать, сила styrka, tvinga กำลัง, บังคับ güç, zorlamak cưỡng ép, lực 力量, 强制Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
force
n. fuerza, vigor, energía;
v.
to ___ out → echar a la fuerza;
to ___ through → hacer penetrar a la fuerza;
v. forzar, violentar, obligar.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
force
n fuerzaEnglish-Spanish/Spanish-English Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.