physical strength or power that pushes, pulls, or has an effect on something
The wind hit the sails with great force, pushing the boat forward.
She slammed the door with such force that the windows rattled.
✦ From Old French force, from Latin fortis “strong”.
to make someone do something against their will or because there is no other choice
The rainstorm forced us to cancel the picnic.
He was forced to apologize after the mistake.
an organized group of people with a specific purpose or job
My brother joined the police force last year.
The company has a highly skilled work force of engineers.
violent action or power used to achieve something
The soldiers took the bridge by force.
The protesters were removed with force by the authorities.
to push or break something open with strength
He forced the door open with his shoulder.
They had to force the lock to rescue the puppy.
to make a structure or material stronger by adding extra support or material
Engineers added steel beams to reinforce the old bridge before reopening it to traffic.
The carpenter used extra screws to reinforce the loose chair leg.
✦ From French renforcer, from Old French renforsier, based on Latin fortis “strong”.
