n.
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: forced ; forc · ing
Date: 14th century
1 : to do violence to especially : RAPE
2 : to compel by physical, moral, or intellectual means
3 : to make or cause especially through natural or logical necessity < forced to admit my error> <the last minute goal forced overtime>
4 a : to press, drive, pass, or effect against resistance or inertia < force your way through> b : to impose or thrust urgently, importunately, or inexorably < force unwanted attentions on a coworker>
5 : to achieve or win by strength in struggle or violence: as a : to win one's way into < force a castle> < forced the mountain passes> b : to break open or through < force a lock>
6 a : to raise or accelerate to the utmost < forcing the pace> b : to produce only with unnatural or unwilling effort < forced a smile> c : to wrench, strain, or use (language) with marked unnaturalness and lack of ease
7 a : to hasten the rate of progress or growth of b : to bring (as plants) to maturity out of the normal season < forcing lilies for Easter>
8 : to induce (as a particular bid or play by another player) in a card game by some conventional act, play, bid, or response
9 a : to cause (a runner in baseball) to be put out on a force-out b : to cause (a run) to be scored in baseball by giving a base on balls when the bases are full
– forc · er noun
– force one's hand : to cause one to act precipitously : force one to reveal one's purpose or intention
synonyms FORCE , COMPEL , COERCE , CONSTRAIN , OBLIGE mean to make someone or something yield. FORCE is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress < forced to flee for their lives>. COMPEL typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force < compelled to admit my mistake>. COERCE suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure < coerced into signing over the rights>. CONSTRAIN suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice < constrained by conscience>. OBLIGE implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty <felt obliged to go>.