force

forceverb

To force is to use power or strength to make something happen that would not happen by itself.

1. make someonemake someone do something that they do not want to do

   transitive [T] verb + object + to-infinitive [V + obj + to-inf] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] usually passive [usually passive]

   • Nobody forced you to come. V + obj + to-inf
   • He was forced to leave his job. V + obj + to-inf (passive)
   • They tried to force her into signing the papers. V + obj + prep + obj
   • I had to force myself to get out of bed. V + obj + to-inf

   Collocations

   phrase be forced to do something, force someone into something, force yourself to do something

   Synonyms make; compel

2. use strengthuse physical strength to open something or to move something into a place

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + adjective [V + obj + adj] verb + object + adverb [V + obj + adv] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • The thieves forced the back door. V + obj
   • She forced the window open. V + obj + adj
   • He forced his way through the crowd. V + obj + adv
   • I forced the last shirt into the bag. V + obj + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun force a door, force a lock, force a window

   phrase force something open, force your way through something, force your way in

3. causemake something happen or make it necessary

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + adverb [V + obj + adv]

   • The storm forced a change of plans. V + obj
   • Rising costs forced the closure of the factory. V + obj
   • The injury forced her out of the game. V + obj + adv

   Collocations

   verb + noun force a change, force a decision, force a delay

4. smile or laughmake yourself smile, laugh, or speak when you do not really want to

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • She forced a smile and said hello. V + obj
   • He forced a laugh at the joke. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun force a smile, force a laugh, force the words out