force1

noun

• 1strength or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement:he was thrown backward by the force of the explosion
• Physics an influence tending to change the motion of a body or produce motion or stress in a stationary body. The magnitude of such an influence is often calculated by multiplying the mass of the body by its acceleration.
• a person or thing regarded as exerting power or influence:he might still be a force for peace and unity
• [in combination] used with a number as a measure of wind strength on the Beaufort scale:a force-nine gale

• 2coercion or compulsion, especially with the use or threat of violence:they ruled by law and not by force

• 3mental or moral strength or power:the force of popular opinion
• the state of being in effect or valid:the law came into force in January
• the powerful effect of something:the force of her writing is undiminished

• 4an organized body of military personnel or police:a soldier in a UN peacekeeping force
• (forces) troops and weaponry:concealment from enemy forces figurativea battle between the forces of good and evil
• a group of people brought together and organized for a particular activity:a sales force
• (the force) informal a police department.

• 5 Baseball a force-out.
• a situation in which a force-out is possible.

verb

• 1make a way through or into by physical strength; break open by force:they broke into Fred’s house and forced every cupboard door with ax or crowbar
• [with object] drive or push into a specified position or state using physical strength or against resistance:she forced her feet into flat leather sandals figurativeFields was forced out as director
• achieve or bring about (something) by coercion or effort:Sabine forced a smile she forced her way up the ladder
• push or strain (something) to the utmost:she knew if she forced it she would rip it
• artificially hasten the development or maturity of (a plant).

• 2 (often be forced) make (someone) do something against their will:she was forced into early retirement [with object]:the universities were forced to cut staff
• rape (a woman).
• Baseball put out (a runner), or cause (a runner) to be put out, at the base to which they are advancing when they are forced to run on a batted ball:I was forced at second base as the first half of a double play
• (in cards) make a play or bid that compels another player to make (a particular response); make a play or bid that compels (another player) to make such a response:East could force declarer to ruff another spade