Force Meaning

UK /fɔːs/
US /fɔːrs/
Word Definition
force meaning

Force Definition & Usage

noun

Strength or energy applied to an object or action to produce an effect, often in the context of physical or mechanical power.

Examples

  • "The car's engine generates a lot of force, enabling it to reach high speeds."
  • "The wind had a strong force, knocking down trees along the coastline."
  • "He used all his force to lift the heavy box."
  • "The explosion was so powerful that the force shattered nearby windows."
  • "The force of the punch knocked him to the ground."
noun

The application of pressure or influence to make someone do something, often in a context of coercion or manipulation.

Examples

  • "The law enforcement officials used force to arrest the suspect."
  • "She felt the force of her parents' expectations bearing down on her."
  • "His forceful arguments convinced the board to approve the proposal."
  • "The company was accused of using force to suppress workers' rights."
  • "They tried to avoid using force, but the situation became tense."
verb

To use strength or effort to push, pull, or manipulate something, often implying difficulty or resistance.

Examples

  • "You will need to force the door open if the lock is stuck."
  • "He had to force himself to go to the meeting despite feeling ill."
  • "She forced her way through the crowded hallway."
  • "We had to force the car out of the mud."
  • "The teacher forced the students to stay late to finish the project."
verb

To cause or bring about an event or situation, often under challenging or unusual circumstances.

Examples

  • "The sudden rainstorm forced them to take shelter under a tree."
  • "The company had to force a change in its policy after the scandal."
  • "She was forced into making a difficult decision when she lost her job."
  • "The crisis forced them to reconsider their strategy."
  • "The earthquake forced many residents to evacuate their homes."

Cultural Context

The word 'force' has roots in Latin, where it was associated with strength or power. It has maintained a broad meaning over time, from physical force to metaphorical or social influence.

The Unseen Force

Story

The Unseen Force

Maya stood at the edge of the city, watching the storm clouds gather. As the first drops of rain began to fall, she felt the force of the wind whip through her hair, tugging at her coat. It was not just the physical force of nature she was aware of but the invisible pressures that had been building in her life, the decisions she was being forced to make. Earlier that day, her boss had used every bit of influence—every ounce of force in his voice—to convince her to take on a project that she knew would mean long hours and personal sacrifice. 'It's an opportunity for you, Maya,' he had said, his words like a heavy hand pushing her into something she wasn’t sure she was ready for. But it wasn't just the job. In her personal life, her family had been pressuring her for months to make a commitment that felt as if it would trap her forever. 'You’ll regret it if you don’t,' they had told her. She had resisted at first, but now, as she watched the storm rage, she realized that her resistance was waning. Was she making these decisions on her own, or was she being forced by an unseen hand, by the demands of others and the relentless passage of time? As the storm intensified, she turned to walk back to her apartment. A car drove by, its engine roaring with the force of its speed, making her jump. The driver's face was barely visible through the rain, but Maya could see the determination in his eyes. He was pushing against the world, forcing his way through the storm, just as she had been doing. In the end, Maya knew that sometimes, you had to take a step back and listen to the forces within you—both the physical ones and the invisible pressures. Only then could you decide whether to submit or stand your ground. The storm would pass, but the choices she made would remain. And they would shape the future in ways that no one could predict.

The Unseen Force