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.
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 sure that a rule, law, or decision is obeyed
Traffic police officers work hard to enforce the speed limit on this busy highway.
The school principal warned that she would enforce the new no-phone policy starting next week.
✦ Late Middle English, from Old French enforcier ‘strengthen, compel’, from en- ‘in, into’ + force ‘strength’.
to make someone do something by using force or authority
The dictator tried to enforce silence by arresting anyone who spoke out.
Parents should guide rather than enforce obedience through fear.
✦ Same origin as Sense 1: from Old French enforcier, originally meaning ‘force in’. Over time it developed the sense of compelling a person.
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”.
to make a feeling, idea, or habit stronger by providing support or repetition
The teacher used praise to reinforce good behavior in the classroom.
News stories like this only reinforce the public’s fear of flying.
✦ Same origin as sense 1.
to send additional soldiers, police, or help to make a group stronger
The general ordered fresh troops to reinforce the front line.
Police were called in to reinforce the guards during the protest.
