Pronunciation: (fôrs, fōrs), [key] —n., v., forced, forc•ing. 1.
physical power or strength possessed by a living being: He used
all his force in opening the window. 2. strength or power
exerted upon an object; physical coercion; violence: to use
force to open the window; to use force on a person. 3. strength;
energy; power; intensity: a personality of great force. 4. power
to influence, affect, or control; efficacious power: the force
of circumstances; a force for law and order. 5. Law.unlawful
violence threatened or committed against persons or property. 6.
persuasive power; power to convince: They felt the force of his
arguments. 7. mental or moral strength: force of character. 8.
might, as of a ruler or realm; strength for war. 9. Often,
forces. the military or fighting strength, esp. of a nation. 10.
any body of persons combined for joint action: a sales force.
11. intensity or strength of effect: the force of her acting. a.
an influence on a body or system, producing or tending to
produce a change in mo