force

Definitions


[fɔːs], (Noun)

Definitions:
- strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement
(e.g: he was thrown backwards by the force of the explosion)

- coercion or compulsion, especially with the use or threat of violence
(e.g: they ruled by law and not by force)

- mental or moral strength or power
(e.g: the force of popular opinion)

- an organized body of military personnel or police
(e.g: a British peacekeeping force)

- (in the Star Wars films) a mystical universal energy field which certain individuals, such as the Jedi, can harness to gain special powers or abilities
(e.g: Luke used the Force to draw his lightsabre to his hand)


Phrases:
- by force of
- force someone's hand
- force the bidding
- force the issue
- force the pace
- in force
- into force
- may the Force be with you

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French force (noun), forcer (verb), based on Latin fortis ‘strong’


[fɔːs], (Verb)

Definitions:
- make a way through or into by physical strength; break open by force
(e.g: the back door of the bank was forced)

- make (someone) do something against their will
(e.g: she was forced into early retirement)


Phrases:
- by force of
- force someone's hand
- force the bidding
- force the issue
- force the pace
- in force
- into force
- may the Force be with you

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French force (noun), forcer (verb), based on Latin fortis ‘strong’


[fɔːs], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a waterfall
(e.g: at the village of West Burton, two miles distant, is a fine force)


Phrases:

Origin:
late Middle English: from Old Norse fors




definition by Oxford Dictionaries