B1noun1K

Force

UK /["/fɔːs/"]/US /["/fɔːrs/"]/

Definition

violent physical action used to obtain or achieve something

In simple words: To make someone do something they don't want to do.

Examples

  • The force behind the movement of the car was strong enough to push it uphill.
  • She felt a force pulling her toward the ocean as the tide changed.
  • In physics, the force acting on an object can change its velocity.
  • The police force in the city increased its presence during the festival.
  • Many scientists study the forces of nature to understand how the universe works.
  • The team was not ready for the force of the storm that hit the coast.
  • Her determination was a force that inspired everyone around her.
  • He was an unstoppable force in the competition, winning every event.

Usage notes

Use 'force' when someone is being compelled against their will. It can sound harsh or aggressive, so be careful in sensitive situations. Not typically used in polite contexts.

Grammar pattern

force + object + to + verb

Memory hint

Imagine a strong person pushing someone to do something they resist.

Collocations

  • considerable
  • great
  • terrible
  • employ
  • resort to
  • use
  • by force
  • catch the full force of something
  • feel the full force of something
  • take the full force of something
  • considerable
  • great
  • terrible
  • employ
  • resort to
  • use
  • by force
  • catch the full force of something
  • feel the full force of something
  • take the full force of something
  • considerable
  • great
  • terrible
  • employ
  • resort to
  • use
  • by force
  • catch the full force of something
  • feel the full force of something
  • take the full force of something
  • considerable
  • formidable
  • great
  • remain
  • balance
  • fight
  • force behind
  • force for
  • a balance of forces
  • a force to be reckoned with
  • the forces of nature
  • binding
  • legal
  • statutory
  • come into
  • bring something into
  • in force
  • the force of law
  • large
  • small
  • token
  • assemble
  • create
  • form
  • control something
  • operate
  • in a/​the force
  • a member of a force
  • the withdrawal of a force
  • large
  • small
  • token
  • assemble
  • create
  • form
  • control something
  • operate
  • in a/​the force
  • a member of a force
  • the withdrawal of a force
  • large
  • small
  • token
  • assemble
  • create
  • form
  • control something
  • operate
  • in a/​the force
  • a member of a force
  • the withdrawal of a force
  • large
  • small
  • token
  • assemble
  • create
  • form
  • control something
  • operate
  • in a/​the force
  • a member of a force
  • the withdrawal of a force
  • powerful
  • strong
  • weak
  • apply
  • exert
  • generate
  • act on something
  • balance something
  • field
  • force between
  • a balance of forces
  • the force of gravity

Synonyms

  • compel
  • coerce
  • oblige
  • urge
  • drive

Antonyms

  • allow
  • permit
  • let

Common mistakes

  • Using 'force' without an object (e.g., saying 'I will force' instead of 'I will force him')
  • Confusing 'force' with 'strongly encourage'
  • Confusing 'force' with 'persuade'