What does force mean?
Force is one of those rare words that bridges everyday speech, law, and science. At its simplest it means physical strength or power — the shove that moves an object or the blow that breaks a door. In physics it takes on an exact meaning: any interaction that changes the motion of an object, famously expressed as force equals mass times acceleration. Beyond the material world, force also describes compulsion and coercion, as in 'they took the property by force', and it names organized bodies of people, from police forces to armed forces. The word can even describe intellectual weight, as when an argument carries force. Derived from Latin through French, it carries connotations ranging from legitimate authority to raw violence, and choosing between them is often the point: 'force' frequently implies action taken without consent, which is why phrases like 'excessive force' carry legal weight.
Physical strength or energy exerted on an object or person; coercion or compulsion; an organized body such as a police or military force; or the persuasive power of an argument.
"The force of the explosion shattered windows for blocks around."
In scientific contexts, force has a precise definition distinct from its colloquial senses.
To compel someone to do something against their will, or to break something open by physical effort.
"Thieves forced open the safe and made off with the contents."
The plural 'forces' typically refers to multiple organized bodies or combined powers, as in 'allied forces' or 'market forces'.
"The allied forces advanced at dawn."
"May the Force be with you" turned a physics term into the most famous catchphrase in cinema history.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of force
Force comes ultimately from the Latin noun fortis ('strong') via its derivative fortia, which passed into Old French as 'force' before entering English in the medieval period, likely in the 14th century. It thus shares its origin with words like 'fort', 'fortify', and 'effort'. Its use as a term in mechanics became standard with the rise of classical physics in the 17th century.
Related word forms
How force is actually used
In physics, 'force' has a precise technical meaning (an interaction that changes the motion of an object), which differs from its everyday senses. As a verb, 'force' means to compel or to break open by physical effort.
Easily confused with force
'Forces' is simply the plural of 'force', used when referring to multiple units or powers, as in 'armed forces', whereas 'force' refers to a single power or unit.