Force: Definition, Usage & Example Sentences

Meaning 1：compel (force)

force 🔊

/fɔːrs/

vt.

To make someone do something they don't want to do, or to make something happen by using power or strength.

Force definition illustrated: person being physically pushed forward against their will

compel 🔊

➕

/kəmˈpɛl/

vt.

To exert power or pressure to make someone act against their will or to bring about a specific outcome.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'fortis' (strong), via Old French 'force' (strength, power).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of FORCing a door open. You need strength (FORCe) to make it move against its will.

📖 Example

My parents didn't force me to study medicine; they let me choose my own major. 🔊 My parents did not compel me to study medicine; they allowed me to select my own field of study.

🔗 Collocations

force someone to do something – To apply pressure making a person perform a specific action.

force an issue – To insist on dealing with a matter, pushing for a decision.

force a smile – To make oneself smile even when not feeling happy.

🔄 Synonyms

compel (vt.) – To force or oblige someone to do something.

coerce (vt.) – To persuade someone to do something by using force or threats.

pressure (vt.) – To attempt to persuade or force by applying influence.

🚫 Antonyms

persuade (vt.) – To cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument.

allow (vt.) – To give permission for something; to not prevent.

dissuade (vt.) – To persuade someone not to take a particular course of action.

🌱 Derivatives

forced (adj.) – Done or happening against someone's will; not natural.

forceful (adj.) – Strong and assertive; vigorous and powerful.

forcible (adj.) – Done by or involving force.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'fortis', meaning strong or brave. In modern contexts, 'force' is a central concept in physics (Newton's laws), law (police force), and military terminology, reflecting its core idea of applied power.