force

n.

1. Physical power

   strength, energy, might; see strength 1.

2. Physical power exerted against a person or thing

   coercion, violence, compulsion, duress; see oppression 1, restraint 2.

3. The power to act effectively

   forcefulness, vitality, energy, vigor, assertiveness, dominance, competence, persistence, willpower, drive, determination, effectiveness, efficiency, efficacy, authority, strength, impressiveness, intensity, vehemence, dynamism, capability, potency, power, puissance, punch*, push*, gumption*, oomph*, pizazz*. *

   Antonyms weakness, impotence, incompetence.

4. A group organized for joint action

   band, crew, detachment, team, troop, cell, division, unit, contingent; see also army 2, organization 3.

in force

1. in full strength, totally, all together; see all 2.

2. operative, valid, in effect;

force

v.

1. To use force

   compel, coerce, press, drive, make, impel, constrain, oblige, urge, push, thrust, propel, urge forward, obligate, necessitate, require, enforce, demand, order, decree, command, inflict, burden, impose, fix, apply, insist, exact, draft, dragoon, blackmail, extort, bind, put under obligation, contract, charge, restrict, limit, pin down, choke out, bring pressure to bear upon, pressure, bear hard upon, bear down upon, obtrude on, break through, bludgeon, steamroller, ram down one's throat*, put the squeeze on*, high-pressure*, strong-arm*, put the screws on*, twist one's arm*, smoke out*. *

2. To break open

   burst, pry open, prize open, break into, extort, wrest, undo, use a bar on, assault, jimmy, crack*, crack open*, bust*, bust open*.

3. To rape

   violate, attack, assault; see rape.

4. To capture by assault

   take, win, overcome, overpower; see seize 2.

force implies the exertion of power in causing a person or thing to act, move, or comply against his or its resistance and may refer to physical strength or to any impelling motive forced the protestors into the van, circumstances forced him to lie; compel implies a driving irresistibly to some action, condition, etc. hunger compelled him to look for work to coerce is to compel submission or obedience by the use of superior power, intimidation, threats, etc. troops coerced the crowd to disperse; constrain implies the operation of a restricting force and therefore suggests a strained, repressed, or unnatural quality in that which results a constrained laugh