force

A push or pull on something, or the strength of that push or pull.

• The wind hit us with great force.
• Gravity is a force that pulls objects down.
• Apply a little more force to the handle.

Similar words: pressure, strength

Common phrases: apply force, magnetic force, force of something, with great force

An organized group of people, especially police officers or soldiers.

• She joined the police force.
• A small force guarded the bridge.
• The government sent more forces to the border.

Similar words: unit, corps

Common phrases: police force, armed force, peacekeeping force, join the force

The strength or power that makes something have an effect on people or events.

• Her words had real force.
• The argument lost its force when new evidence appeared.
• He persuaded them by sheer force of personality.

Similar words: power, strength, weight

Opposites: weakness

Common phrases: force of argument, force of personality, full force, legal force

A person or thing that strongly changes or influences something.

• She is a force for change.
• Technology has become a powerful force in education.
• Several social forces shaped the city.

How to use it: a force for something (Education can be a force for peace.); a force in something (The company is a major force in publishing.)

Similar words: influence, driving factor

Common phrases: force for change, a driving force, a political force

To make someone do something or make something happen, even when it is unwanted or difficult.

• They forced me to leave.
• The accident forced a change in our plans.
• He forced his way into the packed room.

How to use it: force someone to do something (The storm forced us to turn back.); force someone into something (They forced him into a difficult choice.); force your way into/through something (She forced her way through the crowd.)

Similar words: compel, make, oblige

Common phrases: force someone to, force something through, force your way, force a decision

To open a door, lock, or similar object by using strength, often damaging it.

• Someone forced the lock.
• Police forced the door to reach the injured man.
• They tried to force a window open.

How to use it: force something open (The firefighters forced the door open.)

Similar words: break open, pry open

Common phrases: force a door, force a lock, force something open

In a card game, to make another player use a trump by playing a suit they lack.

• A heart will force your partner.
• She forced her opponent by leading another club.
• That lead forces West to trump.

How to use it: force someone to trump (Leading a heart forced my partner to trump.)

Similar words: make trump

Common phrases: force your partner, force an opponent, force someone to trump