(ˈ)dē+ transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English deforcen, from Anglo-French deforcer, from Old French deforcier, from de- + forcier to force — more at force
1. : to keep by force from the rightful owner : withhold wrongfully (as the possession of lands or tenements)
2. : to eject (a person) from possession by force : forcibly withhold possession from : deprive wrongfully
3. Scots law : to oppose or resist (an officer) forcibly so as to prevent execution of the law
• de·force·ment -smənt noun -s