force

Definition

Ability to influence; strength or energy of body or mind; active power; vigour; might; capacity of exercising an influence or producing an effect.

Etymology

From Middle English force, fors, forse, from Old French force, from Late Latin fortia, a noun derived from the neuter plural of Latin fortis (“strong”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerǵʰ- (“to rise, high, hill”).

Example Sentences

• "the force of an appeal, an argument, or a contract"
• "show of force"
• "He was, in the full force of the words, a good man."

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