First published 1897; not yet revised More entries for "force"

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fō̆rce, n. in Middle English Dictionary

I.
Strength, power.
1. I.1.
  †
  1. I.1.a.
    a1375–1816
    
    Physical strength, might, or vigour, as an attribute of living beings (occasionally of liquor). Rarely in plural (= French forces). Obsolete.
    a1375 (c1350)
    Þouȝh he hade fors of foure swiche oþer.
    William of Palerne (1867) l. 3598
    a1400 (a1325)
    Thoru his fax his force was tint.
    Cursor Mundi (Vespasian MS.) l. 7244
    a1400–50
    And now vs failis all oure force & oure flesch waykis.
    Alexander 1006
    ?1507
    He has a forme without force.
    W. Dunbar, Tua Mariit Wemen (Rouen) in Poems (1998) vol. I. 46
    1576
    Chosen men, hugest in stature, and fullest of force.
    A. Fleming, translation of Solon in Panoplie of Epistles 194
    1610
    Their Beere is of that force, and so mightie, that it serueth them in steade of meate, drinke, fire, and apparrell.
    S. Rid, Martin Mark-all 22
    1611
    His eye was not dimme, nor his naturall force abated.
    Bible (King James) Deuteronomy xxxiv. 7
    1697
    Young Elms with early force in Copses bow.
    J. Dryden, translation of Virgil, Georgics i, in translation of Virgil, Works 56
    1715
    Thy Force like Steel a temper'd Hardness shows.
    A. Pope, translation of Homer, Iliad vol. I. iii. 89
    1816
    The great hero of antiquity, in the thieving line, was eminent by his physical forces.
    M. Keating, Travels (1817) vol. I. 245
    the world action or operation manner of action vigour or energy [nouns]
    greennessOld English–
    
    Vigour or freshness of growth; vitality. Also figurative. Cf. green, adj. A.II.9. Now rare.
    lustinessc1325–
    
    Vigour, robustness; †energy, activity.
    forcea1375–1816
    
    Physical strength, might, or vigour, as an attribute of living beings (occasionally of liquor). Rarely in plural (= French forces). Obsolete.
    vigourc1386–
    
    Active physical strength as an attribute or quality of living things; active force or power… In persons, animals, or their limbs.
    virrc1575–
    
    Force, vigour, energy.
    vigour1602–
    
    Active physical strength as an attribute or quality of living things; active force or power… Const. of (life, etc.). Sometimes with implication of 2…
    nerve1605–1874
    
    Strength, vigour, energy. Obsolete.
    vivacity1649–1792
    
    transferred and figurative. Active force, power, vigour.
    vis1650–
    
    Strength, force, energy, vigour.
    actuosity1660–
    
    Abundant activity; energy.
    amenity1661–1750
    
    Vigorousness, vigour. Obsolete.
    vogue1674
    
    Vigour or energy. Obsolete. rare.
    energy1783–
    
    As a quality of movement, activity, speech, art, etc.: vigour; intensity; forcefulness.
    smeddum1790–
    
    Scottish. Spirit, pith, ‘go’; alertness of mind and vigour in action; energy.
    dash1796–
    
    Spirited vigour of action; capacity for prompt and vigorous action.
    throughput1808–
    
    Scottish. Capacity for work; energy, vigour.
    feck1811–
    
    Operative value, efficacy, efficiency (cf. effect, n. 2a). Hence also: vigour, energy.
    go1825–
    
    colloquial. Originally of a horse: capacity to go fast or well; physical vigour or stamina; motive power.
    steam1826–
    
    figurative. Energy, ‘go’, driving power, and the like.
    jism1842–
    
    Energy, strength.
    vim1843–
    
    Force or vigour, energy, ‘go’. †Also as adv., vigorously, sharply.
    animalism1848–
    
    The exercise of the animal faculties. With positive connotations: natural animal behaviour and activity; physicality; physical energy.
    fizz1856–
    
    Animal spirits or ‘go’.
    jasm1860–
    
    Energy, spirit, ‘pep’; = jism, n. 1.
    verve1863–
    
    In general use: Energy, vigour, spirit.
    snap1865–
    
    Alertness, energy, vigour, ‘go’. Originally U.S.
    sawdusta1873–
    
    transferred and figurative. (Sometimes with reference to the use of sawdust for stuffing dolls or puppets.)
    élan1880–
    
    In English use chiefly abstract: Ardour, impetuousness, vivacity.
    stingo1885–
    
    figurative. Vigour, energy, vim; to give (a person) hot stingo = to give it hot at give, v. phrases XIV.46a ? Obsolete.
    energeticism1891–
    
    The quality or condition of being energetic. rare.
    sprawl1894–
    
    dialect and U.S. Activity, energy, go.
    zip1899–
    
    colloquial (originally U.S.). Energy, vigour; liveliness.
    pep1908–
    
    Energy and high spirits; liveliness, vigour, power.
    jazz1912–
    
    U.S. slang. Energy, excitement, ‘pep’; restlessness; animation, excitability. Now rare.
    zoom1926–
    
    colloquial. Zest, vivacity, vigour; zip; gusto. Cf. zoom, int., vavoom, n.
    toe1963–
    
    Australian and New Zealand slang. Speed, energy.
    zap1968–
    
    Liveliness, energy, power, drive; also, a strong emotional effect.
    stank1997–
    
    figurative. Force or intensity of expression or action; aggression. Also in popular music (esp. funk): unrestrained energy, passion, and…
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    the world life the body bodily constitution bodily strength [nouns]
    avelOld English–1400
    
    Strength, physical force.
    mainOld English–
    
    Physical strength, force, or power. Now only in with might and main: see might, n.¹ phrases P.1b.
    mightOld English–1851
    
    Bodily strength (whether great or small). Obsolete.
    strengthOld English–
    
    The quality or state of being physically strong. Physical power or stamina; ability to exert muscular force; (also) athletic prowess, brawn.
    virtuec1330–1654
    
    Physical strength, force, or energy. In late use often paired with strength. Obsolete.
    forcea1375–1816
    
    Physical strength, might, or vigour, as an attribute of living beings (occasionally of liquor). Rarely in plural (= French forces). Obsolete.
    birr1382–
    
    Bodily force exerted against anything, might.
    valure1440–1605
    
    Physical strength or ability; power, might. Obsolete.
    firmitude?1541–1701
    
    The quality or state of being firm, in the various senses of the adjective; firmness, solidity, stability, strength; stability of purpose, resolution.
    thews1566–
    
    plural. Physical good qualities, features, or personal endowments. The bodily powers or forces of a man (Latin vires), might, strength, vigour; in…
    iron1695
    
    figurative and in figurative contexts, esp. with reference to strength, hardness, or inflexibility. Cf. iron, adj. II.3, II.4.
    invalescence1755–
    
    Strength; health; force (Johnson).
    physicals1824–42
    
    In plural. colloquial. Physical powers; physical strength. Obsolete. rare.
    beef1851–
    
    transferred. colloquial. = ‘Flesh’ (of men). Also, strength, muscular power; effort. Cf. beef, v. 2, beefy, adj.
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  2. I.1.b.
    1577
    
    † of force: full of strength, vigorous. Obsolete.
    1577
    The Wyllowes must be holpen with often watringes, that the nature of the tree may be of force [Latin ut natura ligni vigeat].
    B. Googe, translation of C. Heresbach, Foure Bookes of Husbandry ii. f. 75
    medicine
    the world health [adjectives] of health: good resistant to disease, etc.
    strongOld English–
    
    Physically vigorous or robust; not readily affected by disease or adverse conditions; healthy. Of a person or animal, or the physical constitution…
    stalworthc1175–
    
    Of persons, and animals: Strongly and stoutly built, sturdy, robust.
    starka1250–
    
    Strong, stout, powerful. Of a person or animal: physically strong or powerful; lusty, robust, sturdy, vigorous. Also as n. Now rare (chiefly Scottish…
    stiff1297–
    
    Of living creatures: Stout, stalwart, sturdy (cf. sense A.I.8); esp. in alliterative phrases as †stiff in stour, †stiff on steed. Obsolete exc. di…
    stalworthyc1300–1529
    
    = stalworth, adj.
    vigorousc1330–
    
    Of persons or animals: Strong and active in body; endowed with or possessed of physical strength and energy; robust in health or constitution…
    stoura1350–
    
    Of persons or animals: Strong, sturdy, stalwart.
    lustyc1374–
    
    Full of healthy vigour. Of persons and animals: Healthy, strong, vigorous. Also of a period of life: Characterized by vigour. Now somewhat archaic…
    marrowya1382–
    
    Full of marrow. Also figurative.
    sturdyc1386–
    
    Of persons or animals; Characterized by rough bodily vigour; solidly built; stalwart, strong, robust, hardy.
    crank1398–1660
    
    Rank, lusty, vigorous, in good condition.
    robust1490–
    
    Strong and hardy; strongly and solidly built, sturdy; healthy. Of a person or animal.
    vigorious1502–1641
    
    = vigorous, adj. 1.
    stalwart1508–
    
    Of persons (†and animals): Strongly and stoutly built, sturdy, robust.
    hardy1548–
    
    Of a person or animal: capable of enduring fatigue, hardship, or adverse conditions; physically robust; healthy. Of a thing: sturdy, tough…
    robustious1548–
    
    Strong and hardy; sturdy; healthy. Of a person. Now rare.
    of force1577
    
    of force: full of strength, vigorous. Obsolete.
    rustical1583–
    
    Physically robust; = rustic, adj. A.2c. Now archaic and rare.
    marrowed1612
    
    Full of marrow; filled or covered with marrow; (figurative) rich, full-bodied, substantial. Now rare.
    rustic1620–
    
    Physically robust; hardy; (of health) vigorous, rude. Cf. rustical, adj. A.4b.
    robustic1652–1885
    
    Robust, sturdy.
    solid1741–
    
    Of persons, their constitution, etc.: Strong, healthy, sturdy.
    refractory1843–
    
    Medicine. Totally or partially resistant (to a particular infectious disease or agent); not susceptible or only slightly susceptible.
    salted1864–
    
    slang. or colloquial. Of horses, etc.: Seasoned (from having survived attacks of disease, etc.); hence of persons: Experienced in some business or…
    resistant1876–
    
    Able to withstand disease, infection, or attack by pests.
    saulteda1879–
    
    = salted, adj. 4.
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  3. I.1.c.
    c1380–1841
    
    †with (one's) force: with energy, with exertion of one's strength. with all one's force: putting forth all one's strength.
    c1380
    ‘Leggeþ on, Lordes,’ said he, ‘wiþ force & smyteþ strokes smerte.’
    Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 3036
    c1400
    With hir force sho hasted so fast That sho over~toke him at the last.
    Ywain & Gawain 2897
    a1500 (?c1400)
    He prekyd to þe kyng wyth fors.
    Sir Triamour (Cambridge MS.) (1937) l. 829
    1582
    And rowing with force tooke two of the Pledges.
    N. Lichefield, translation of F. L. de Castanheda, 1st Booke of Historie of Discouerie East Indias xxxiii. 80 b
    1677
    The Hounds..running with all their force.
    N. Cox, Gentleman's Recreation (ed. 2) i. 95
    1841
    Strike the ball.. with all thy force.
    E. W. Lane, translation of Thousand & One Nights vol. I. 86
    the world action or operation manner of action vigour or energy [phrases] acting vigorously or energetically with great vigour or energy
    with (also in) mood and mainOld English–1575
    
    with (also in) mood and main: fervently, in earnest. Also with main and mood, in mood and might. Cf. main, n.¹ phrases P.1, might, n.¹ phrases P.1…
    with or by (all one's) might and mainc1330–
    
    with or by (all one's) might and main and variants (now chiefly literary or rhetorical): = with all one's might at phrases P.3; also with or by main…
    vigourc1380–1400
    
    Active physical strength as an attribute or quality of living things; active force or power… Frequently in Middle English verse in the adverbial…
    with (one's) forcec1380–1841
    
    †with (one's) force: with energy, with exertion of one's strength. with all one's force: putting forth all one's strength.
    like anything1665–
    
    colloquial. like anything: to a great or extraordinary degree; very much, fast, well, etc. Formerly also †like to anything.
    hammer and tongs1708–
    
    hammer and tongs (colloquial): with might and main (like a blacksmith showering blows on the iron taken with the tongs from the forge-fire). hammer a…
    like stour1787–
    
    Phrases. (Scottish) like stour: very swiftly or vigorously. to blow, cast, throw stour in one's eyes: figurative (cf. dust, n.¹ 4). to kick up, make…
    (in) double tides1788–
    
    (in) double tides, ? as if taking advantage of both the tides in one day; esp. to work double tides, to work as hard as possible; so to roar, spin, et…
    like blazes1818–
    
    slang. blazes: plural referring to the flames of hell, used in several forcible expressions, as blue blazes, the blazes!, like blazes: furiously…
    like winking1827–
    
    like winking: in a flash, in a twinkling, very rapidly or suddenly; also, with vigour or persistency, ‘like one o'clock’, ‘like anything’. So, as…
    with a will1827–
    
    Originally Nautical. with a will: with determination, resolutely, vigorously, energetically.
    like winky1830–
    
    Only in slang phrase like winky, ‘like winking’.
    like all possessed1833–
    
    U.S. like all possessed: with great force, vehemence, energy, or spirit. Now rare.
    in a big way1840–
    
    Originally U.S. On a large scale, intensively; (in extended use) enthusiastically; with great commitment or display; (in more weakened use) to a…
    like (or worse than) sin1840–
    
    In phrases child, or man, of sin; as black, or ugly, as sin. Also like (or worse than) sin: vehemently, intensely, vigorously. Cf. like the devil at…
    full swing1843–
    
    full swing (adverbial phr.): at full speed; with the utmost vigour or energy.
    like a Trojan1846–
    
    colloquial. A brave or plucky fellow; a person of great energy or endurance: usually in like a Trojan.
    like one o'clock1847–
    
    like one o'clock: vigorously, quickly; excellently; enthusiastically.
    like sixty1848–
    
    like sixty, with great force or vigour; at a great rate. colloquial or slang. (Cf. forty, adj. A.b.)
    like forty1852–
    
    Used indefinitely to express a large number. like forty (U.S. colloquial): with immense force or vigour, ‘like anything’.
    like wildfire1857–
    
    like wildfire: with immense rapidity and effect; very swiftly and forcibly: usually with run, spread, etc.; hence occasionally gen. forcibly…
    like old boots1865–
    
    Phrases, as †to make one boot serve for either leg (see quot.); the boot is on the other leg: the case is altered, the responsibility is on the…
    like blue murder1867–
    
    like blue murder: (a) With great strength, ferocity, vehemence, noise, etc.; (b) at a very fast pace, at top speed (now rare).
    like steam1905–
    
    In phrases descriptive of the working of a steam engine, esp. of a locomotive; often used figuratively; e.g. (at) full (half, etc.) steam; with full…
    like stink1929–
    
    like stink, furiously, intensely. Cf. like, adv. B.1c. colloquial.
    like one thing1938–
    
    colloquial (originally Australian). like one thing: = like anything at anything, pron. & n. & adv. phrases P.6.
    like a demon1945–
    
    like a demon: very energetically or assiduously; in a very skilful or thorough way; with great endurance. Frequently in to work like a demon.
    up a storm1953–
    
    figurative and in figurative context. up a storm adverbial phrase, vehemently, violently, with enthusiasm or energy. U.S. colloquial.
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    the world action or operation manner of action effort or exertion [phrases] with all one's might
    (at, by, with) all one's mightOld English–
    
    (†at, †by, with) all one's might and variants: to the utmost of one's ability; with all one's strength.
    by (also by one's) powerc1300–1513
    
    by (also by one's) power: according to one's ability. Obsolete.
    with or by (all one's) might and mainc1330–
    
    with or by (all one's) might and main and variants (now chiefly literary or rhetorical): = with all one's might at phrases P.3; also with or by main…
    at (also at all, after) one's power1384–1649
    
    at (also at all, after) one's power: according to one's ability; to the utmost of one's ability, with all one's might. Obsolete.
    upon one's powerc1400
    
    upon one's power: as well as one can. Obsolete. rare.
    to (the best of, the uttermost of, the extent of) one's power?a1425–
    
    to (the best of, the uttermost of, the extent of) one's power: as far as one is able.
    tooth and naila1535–
    
    tooth and nail (originally with tooth and nail) adverbial phr.: literal with the use of one's teeth and nails as weapons; by biting and…
    with tooth and naila1535–
    
    tooth and nail (originally with tooth and nail) adverbial phr.: literal with the use of one's teeth and nails as weapons; by biting and…
    with both hands1549–
    
    with both hands: with all one's might, as much as one is able; (now esp.) readily, enthusiastically. Formerly also: †fully, freely (obsolete).
    with teeth and alla1600
    
    So with teeth and all. Obsolete.
    horse and footc1600–
    
    Military. A horse and its rider; hence a cavalry soldier. Both divisions of an army; hence, whole forces; †adv. with all one's might (obsolete).
    with all one's force1677
    
    †with (one's) force: with energy, with exertion of one's strength. with all one's force: putting forth all one's strength.
    for all it's worth1864–
    
    Originally U.S. for all it's worth and variants: to the fullest extent. Similarly for all one is worth: with all one's energy or resources. Cf. for…
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  4. I.1.d.
    ?c1450
    
    † to make great force: to exert oneself. to do one's force: to do one's utmost. Obsolete.
    ?c1450
    To wirschip it he did his fors.
    Life of St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 6904
    ?c1450
    Forto witt he made grete force.
    Life of St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 6182
    the world action or operation manner of action effort or exertion [intransitive verbs] exert oneself or make an effort
    tillOld English–1225
    
    intransitive. To strive, exert oneself, labour, work.
    stightlea1375–1508
    
    intransitive. To bestir or exert oneself, put forth one's strength or energy; to strive, contend, fight.
    stretcha1375–
    
    reflexive and intransitive. To strain, press forward, use effort. Also with on.
    wrestlea1382–
    
    To labour, toil, or exert oneself; to strive (for something); to tussle.
    to put it forthc1390–
    
    transitive. To put in operation, to bring into play; to employ or exercise (one's strength, or a quality or ability) to achieve a goal; (also) to…
    to put one's hand(s) to (also unto)a1398–
    
    to put one's hand(s) to (also †unto): to set about, undertake (a task or piece of work). Also occasionally without to. Cf. to set (one's) hand to at…
    paina1400–1827
    
    intransitive. = sense 1a. Obsolete.
    takea1400–
    
    transitive. To undertake or involve oneself in (trouble or exertions) in accomplishing or attempting something. Frequently with of and gerund or…
    to do one's busy pain (also care, cure, diligence)?a1430–1737
    
    to do one's busy pain (also care, cure, diligence): to exert oneself diligently, to do what one can. with busy pain (also care, cure, diligence)…
    to make great force?c1450
    
    to make great force: to exert oneself. to do one's force: to do one's utmost. Obsolete.
    makec1485–
    
    transitive. To put forth (an effort). Formerly also †to make labour (also pain). Also (occasionally) intransitive with passive meaning.
    to stir one's stumpsa1500–
    
    Jocularly used for: A leg. Chiefly in to stir one's stumps, to walk or dance briskly, †to do one's duty zealously.
    to bestir one's stumps1549–
    
    To stir up, ‘to put into vigorous action’ (Johnson). transitive. To rouse into activity, make active. to bestir one's stumps (obsolete): to move…
    to make work1574
    
    Also to make a work. To create havoc or confusion; (hence) to make a fuss or to-do, to cause disturbance or trouble. Cf. sense III.24. Now rare (Sc…
    put1596–1739
    
    figurative and in extended use. intransitive. To make a push; to exert oneself; to strive for a specified goal. Also in to put for it: to make an…
    bestira1616–
    
    To stir up, ‘to put into vigorous action’ (Johnson). intransitive.
    operate1650–
    
    intransitive. Of persons, or personified attributes: to bring force or influence to bear on or upon. In early use also: †to exert oneself to do…
    to lay out1659–
    
    reflexive †To exert oneself in, upon (obsolete); to take measures, frame one's conduct with a view to effecting a purpose or gaining an object…
    to be at pains1709
    
    In plural. Trouble taken in accomplishing or attempting something; labour, toil, exertions; careful and attentive effort. Frequently in phrases, as…
    exerta1749–99
    
    intransitive for reflexive. Obsolete.
    tew1787–
    
    intransitive. To work hard, to exert oneself, to toil; to bustle about. Now dialect and U.S.
    maul1821–
    
    intransitive. To toil, work hard; to move slowly and wearily.
    to take (the) trouble1830–
    
    Pains or exertion, esp. in accomplishing or attempting something; care, toil, labour. to put to (the) trouble, to take (the) trouble.
    to pull outc1835–
    
    intransitive. colloquial. To exert oneself vigorously; to work hard. Cf. sense II.15b. Now rare.
    bother1840–
    
    intransitive. To take the time or trouble to do something; (with infinitive or present participle as complement) to take the trouble to do the thing…
    too1876–
    
    Variant of tew, v.¹ II.6, to bustle round.
    trouble1880–
    
    intransitive for reflexive = preceding sense. colloquial.
    to buck up1890–
    
    to buck up. intransitive. To make an effort, to ‘brace up’; to hurry up.
    hump1897–
    
    reflexive. To gather oneself together for an effort; to exert oneself, make an effort; to hurry; also, to pride or fancy oneself. Also intransitive…
    to go somea1911–
    
    With verbs. to go some: to go well or fast; to do well; to work hard. slang (originally U.S.).
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    the world action or operation manner of action effort or exertion [intransitive verbs] exert oneself or make an effort do one's utmost
    to do (also lay) one's mightc1175–1475
    
    to do (also lay) one's might: to do one's utmost. Obsolete.
    to do, make one's wisec1290–1561
    
    to do, make one's wise: to do what one can. in wise of: after the fashion of; in respect of. in wise that: in such a manner that, so that.
    to do (also make) one's powerc1390–1657
    
    to do (also make) one's power: to do one's best. Obsolete.
    to hold (also keep) foot withc1438–1658
    
    to hold (also keep) foot with: to maintain the same speed of walking or running as; to keep up with (literal and figurative). Cf. to keep (also †hold)…
    to do one's force?c1450
    
    to make great force: to exert oneself. to do one's force: to do one's utmost. Obsolete.
    to do or die1487–
    
    to do or die: to perform deeds or perish; to give one's all. Frequently expressing a determination not to compromise or be deterred. Cf. do-or-die…
    to do one's endeavour(sc1500–
    
    to do one's endeavour(s: to exert oneself to the uttermost; to do all one can (in a cause or to an end). archaic.
    to do the best of one's power1523–1775
    
    to do the best of one's power: to do the best one can do, or as much as one is able. Cf. to the best of one's power at power, n.¹ phrases P.8. Obs…
    to do (also try) one's best1585
    
    Usually with possessive: effort which surpasses all others in commitment or dedication, or reaches the highest level of which one is capable; the…
    to do one's possible1792–
    
    to do one's possible: to do what is possible for one to do, to do one's utmost. Now rare.
    to pull out all the stops1927–
    
    figurative or transferred. Now chiefly with reference to the organ; in the earlier quots. apparently sometimes vaguely used for ‘note’, ‘key’…
    to bust (also break) one's balls1968–
    
    slang (originally U.S.). to bust (also break) one's balls: to exert oneself to the utmost; to work very hard. Cf. to bust (also break) one's chops at…
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2. 1. I.2.a.
    c1320–
    
    As an attribute of physical action or movement: Strength, impetus, violence, or intensity of effect. Also with reference to the force of wind described by numbers in the Beaufort scale.
    c1320
    With a dent of gret fors A-bar him doun of his hors.
    Sir Beues 3405 (MS. A.)
    c1400
    With grete force he lete it fall.
    Ywain & Gawain 2452
    1582
    The tackling..of the Shippes, with the great force of the winde, made such a terrible noyse.
    N. Lichefield, translation of F. L. de Castanheda, 1st Booke of Historie of Discouerie East Indias xxix. 73 b
    1609
    And makes them curse that e're they felt the force of Christian blows.
    S. Rowlands, Famous Historie of Guy Earle of Warwick 35
    1680
    By the force and strength of the Wedge.
    J. Moxon, Mechanick Exercises vol. I. xii. 205
    1697
    The Sea falls with such force on the shore.
    W. Dampier, New Voyage around World ix. 247
    1774
    They break the force of the fall.
    O. Goldsmith, History of Earth vol. III. 67
    1781
    The force of the strongest and sharpest tools had been tried without effect.
    E. Gibbon, Decline & Fall vol. III. 80
    a1796
    The snowy ruin smokes along, With doubling speed and gathering force.
    R. Burns, Poems & Songs (1968) vol. I. 376
    1815
    The force of a stream.
    J. Smith, Panorama of Science & Art vol. I. 347
    1867
    Force of wind, now described by numbers, 0 being calm, 12 the heaviest gale.
    W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher, Sailor's Word-book (at cited word)
    1933
    Trials..151,000 S.H.P. = 32·07 kts. (run in bad weather, wind force 6 Beaufort scale).
    Jane's Fighting Ships 22
    1961
    South-westerly winds between force 5 and force 6 on the Beaufort scale meant rigorous yachting conditions.
    Times 5 August 3/1
    1963
    The wind is not only there, but assuming the proportions of a force-ten hurricane.
    Listener 21 March 528/3
    weather
    the world action or operation manner of action vigour or energy [nouns] vigour or intensity of action force or intensity of operation or effect
    strengthOld English–
    
    Of substances, physical phenomena, things (material or immaterial), or their properties. Intensity and active force of movement (of wind, fire…
    forcec1320–
    
    As an attribute of physical action or movement: Strength, impetus, violence, or intensity of effect. Also with reference to the force of wind…
    vigour?a1445–
    
    Active force or strength as an attribute of things, natural agencies, conditions, or qualities; intensity of effect or operation.
    forcibleness1563–
    
    accent1591–
    
    Distinction; a distinguishing mark, character, or tone; distinctive force, sharpness, prominence, or intensity; (esp. with on) emphasis, stress.
    edgea1593–
    
    figurative. With direct reference to I.1, I.1c. Power to ‘cut’ or wound; keen effectiveness. of language: Trenchant Force (cf. point). Of appetite…
    strongnessa1604
    
    The quality or condition of being strong (in various senses), strength.
    keenness?1606–
    
    Piercing severity, intensity (of heat, cold, etc.).
    forcefulness1825–
    
    power drive1927–
    
    Originally U.S. Chiefly Sport. A powerful offensive manoeuvre, stroke, or shot; an energetic or powerful attempt or display.
    kilowattage1935–
    
    Power expressed in kilowatts; also figurative.
    wattage1964–
    
    figurative.
    welly1977–
    
    slang. Force, power; frequently in to give it some welly and variants.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world the earth weather and the atmosphere weather study or science of weather study or science of specific conditions or phenomena [nouns] study or science of wind measurement of force scale force with reference to
    force1867–
    
    As an attribute of physical action or movement: Strength, impetus, violence, or intensity of effect. Also with reference to the force of wind…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.2.b.
    a1400–1582
    
    † Said of the violent onset of combatants in battle. Obsolete.
    a1400 (a1325)
    O þis batail þat was sa snell, þe force a-pon þe king it fell.
    Cursor Mundi (Vespasian MS.) l. 7760
    1489 (a1380)
    Yat war sa few yat yai na mycht Endur ye fors mar off ye fycht.
    J. Barbour, Bruce (Advocates' Library MS.) ii. 429
    c1515
    The forse of the paynyms was so gret that at length they coude not abyde it.
    Lord Berners, translation of Boke of Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lix. 206
    1582
    Heere..was all the force of the battaile.
    N. Lichefield, translation of F. L. de Castanheda, 1st Booke of Historie of Discouerie East Indias lxxix. 162
    society armed hostility armed encounter [nouns] battle or a battle onslaught of battle
    forcea1400–1582
    
    Said of the violent onset of combatants in battle. Obsolete.
    joint?c1550
    
    A coming together, meeting; the action of joining battle; attack, onset. Obsolete.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  3. I.2.c.
    1680
    
    † within a person's force: within the range of a person's attack or defence. (Cf. dint n. 2d.)
    1680
    When on the brink the foaming Boar I met, And in his side thought to have lodg'd my spear, The desperate savage rusht within my Force, And bore me headlong with him down the Rock.
    T. Otway, Orphan i. 3
    the world space distance [phrases] that may be reached within range or reach
    within reachc1515–
    
    In expressions referring to the physical range of some action or perception: Not beyond, not farther than the extent of: as within reach, near…
    within one's strokea1533
    
    An act of striking; a blow given or received. A blow with the hand or a weapon (occasionally with the paw of an animal, the claws or beak of a bird…
    in the (also one's) way1534–1897
    
    Of a person: near at hand and not otherwise occupied, so as to be available to do something, esp. to help, or be at the disposal of, another. Obsolete…
    within power1548
    
    within power: within range. Obsolete. rare.
    under the dint of1577–1734
    
    under, within (etc.) the dint of: exposed to, or within the reach or range of assault of. Cf. dent, n.¹ 2b. Obsolete.
    in(to), within, out of shot1635
    
    The range of a shot, or distance to which a shot will go. in(to), within, out of shot: in, within, out of shooting distance; also Photography, Cine…
    within arm's reacha1652–
    
    within arm's (also arm) reach and variants: within the distance covered by a movement of the arm; (hence) at a small or convenient distance…
    within a person's force1680
    
    within a person's force: within the range of a person's attack or defence. (Cf. dint, n. 2d.)
    within touch1753–
    
    within touch: near enough to touch or be touched; within reach (of a person or thing); (more generally) close in terms of distance or time.
    in touch1854–
    
    Near enough to touch or be touched; in close proximity; within reach of something. Also figurative.
    within wind of1865–
    
    As conveying scent, esp. the scent of a person or animal in hunting, etc.: in various phrases, literal and figurative.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  4. I.2.d.
    1614–40
    
    † Violence or ‘stress’ of weather. in the force of weather: exposed to the brunt of its attack. Obsolete.
    1614
    A creeke, which is a good harbour for ships, the force of weather being borne off by the head-Land and Isle.
    W. Raleigh, History of World i.iii. viii. §4. 90
    a1640
    A high rock, called Crocken-Torr..where is a table and seats of moorstone..lying in the force of all weather, no house or refuge being near it.
    T. Risdon, Chorographical Survey Devon (1811) (modernized text) §215 223
    weather
    the world the earth weather and the atmosphere weather [phrases] exposed to the weather
    in the force of weather1614–40
    
    Violence or ‘stress’ of weather. in the force of weather: exposed to the brunt of its attack. Obsolete.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world the earth weather and the atmosphere weather bad weather [nouns] condition of stress of weather
    anguishc1330–
    
    Something which causes difficulty or distress; a source of suffering.
    force1614–40
    
    Violence or ‘stress’ of weather. in the force of weather: exposed to the brunt of its attack. Obsolete.
    urgency1660–
    
    Stress of wind, weather, etc.
    rack1865–
    
    Strain imposed by stressful or difficult circumstances; spec. bad weather or a storm at sea.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
3. 1. I.3.a.
    1303–
    
    Power or might (of a ruler, realm, or the like); esp. military strength or power.
    1303
    Ȝyf þou any man manasse Þurghe force or power þat þou hasse.
    R. Mannyng, Handlyng Synne 3685
    c1330
    Þe Sarazin force doun his, Jhesu we þank þe.
    R. Mannyng, Chronicle (1810) 191
    a1500 (a1460)
    If any were..That wold my fors downe fell.
    Towneley Plays (1994) vol. I. viii. 73
    ?a1513
    Quhois force all France in fame did magnifie.
    W. Dunbar, Poems (1998) vol. I. 100
    a1616
    And loe, where George of Clarence sweepes along, Of force enough to bid his Brother Battaile.
    W. Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 3 (1623) v. i. 77
    1756
    In the same Place where his Predecessors had..wasted the Force of so extensive an Empire.
    E. Burke, Vindication of Natural Society 18
    1796
    From her aiming through commerce at naval force which she never could attain.
    E. Burke, Two Letters Peace Regicide Directory France ii, in Works (1808) vol. VIII. 245
    1888
    A navy actually inferior in fighting force to that of France.
    Fortnightly Review November 564
    military
    society armed hostility military power [nouns]
    strengthOld English–
    
    Individual or collective power or resilience; an individual's or unit's power or resilience. Military capability in warfare; offensive or defensive…
    swordOld English–
    
    transferred. The use of the sword in warfare, massacre, etc.; hence, slaughter; warfare; military force or power; also, the military profession or…
    powerc1300–1823
    
    An armed force, an army; (in plural) troops, forces (cf. force, n.¹ I.4a). In early use also as a mass noun: armed force. Obsolete.
    force1303–
    
    Power or might (of a ruler, realm, or the like); esp. military strength or power.
    land-power1490–
    
    General attributive passing into adj., with the sense ‘belonging or attached to, or characteristic of, the land; living, situated, taking place…
    bayonet1775–
    
    abstract. Military force.
    sword-arm1838–
    
    The arm with which the sword is wielded, the right arm; also rhetorically = military power or action, and figurative.
    sabre1851–
    
    Put for: Military force; esp. in to rattle the sabre.
    sword-craft1855–
    
    The art of using, or skill in the use of, the sword; military power.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society authority power [nouns]
    armOld English–
    
    Might, power, authority. Cf. secular arm at secular, adj. A.I.2a. Now somewhat rare.
    craftOld English–1526
    
    Strength, might, power (physical or otherwise); (as an attribute of God) pre-eminent or transcendent power. Cf. might, n.¹ 3. Obsolete.
    i-waldOld English–1275
    
    Power, might; control, command; (also) possession. Cf. early use of wield, n. in various senses.
    mightOld English–
    
    Ability, potential, power; ability, power to do something. Now rare.
    poustiea1275–
    
    Power; spiritual power; might; authority. See also liege poustie, n.
    mound?a1300–1609
    
    The world; the earth, esp. considered as the abode of humankind. Obsolete.
    powerc1300–
    
    Control or authority over others; dominion, rule; government, command, sway. Frequently with †of, †on, over.
    force1303–
    
    Power or might (of a ruler, realm, or the like); esp. military strength or power.
    mighta1325
    
    Great strength, imposing power. Now somewhat rhetorical. In plural. Great powers; embodiments or instances of great or supreme power. Also: acts…
    wielda1325–1586
    
    Physical or mental strength; power, might; force.
    mightiheada1382
    
    Power.
    mightinessc1390–
    
    The state or condition of being supremely or overwhelmingly powerful or strong; supremacy, pre-eminence, powerfulness, great strength.
    mightheada1400
    
    Abundance.
    mightinga1400
    
    Power, esp. that of God or that of a weapon. A powerful or mighty action.
    puissance1420–
    
    Power, strength, force, might, prowess; influence.
    mightfulnessa1425
    
    vallente1475
    
    Power, might.
    potence1483–
    
    Power, ability, strength. Also: an instance of this.
    state1488–1779
    
    High rank, greatness; power. Obsolete.
    potencya1500–
    
    Power, powerfulness; ability to accomplish or affect something; authority, influence.
    potestation?c1500–1623
    
    Authorization; power.
    potent1512–1631
    
    A power. Obsolete.
    puissantness1552
    
    Puissance; power.
    sinew1560–
    
    Chiefly plural. Strength, energy, force.
    puissancy1562–
    
    The quality of being powerful; power, potency, strength.
    potentness1581–
    
    Power, authority; = potency, n. 1a.
    powerableness1591–1656
    
    Powerfulness; power as a quality.
    powerfulnessc1595–
    
    The quality of being powerful; strength, potency; impressiveness, force.
    potestatea1600
    
    Power, authority. rare.
    pollency1623–
    
    Power, strength.
    potentiality1627–
    
    The quality of being powerful or having power. Cf. potential, adj. A.3. Now rare.
    potentialness1668–
    
    Potentiality.
    poust1827–
    
    = poustie, n.
    mana1843–
    
    Power, authority, or prestige; spec. (in Polynesian and Melanesian religions) an impersonal supernatural power which can be associated with people…
    magnum force1977–
    
    (a) (attributive) designating a weapon having magnum capacity; (b) exceptional force, strength, size, etc.; the maximum.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.3.b.
    1577–
    
    In early use, the strength (of a fortress, defensive work, etc.). Subsequently, the fighting strength (of a ship), as measured by number of guns or men. †of (good) force: (well) armed or fortified.
    1577
    At this Poulruan is a tower of force.
    W. Harrison, Hist. Descr. Islande Britain i. ix. f. 24/2, in R. Holinshed, Chronicles vol. I
    1578
    The estate and force of the sayde Shippes.
    T. Nicholas, translation of F. Lopez de Gómara, Pleasant Historie of Conquest of Weast India 102
    1585
    The foundation, force, and situation of the citie of Alger.
    T. Washington, translation of N. de Nicolay, Nauigations Turkie i. vii. 7
    1615
    The wals neither faire nor of force.
    G. Sandys, Relation of Journey 210
    1669
    The Castle..hath but four Guns, and is of no force.
    J. Narborough, Journal in Account of Several Late Voyages (1711) i. 7
    1697
    Sending from Holland Ships of good force.
    W. Dampier, New Voyage around World iii. 46
    1779
    Several ships of force..are now on the coast.
    in Liverpool Municipal Rec. (1886) vol. II. 183
    1867
    Force..Also, the force of each ship stated agreeably to the old usage in the navy, according to the number of guns actually carried.
    W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher, Sailor's Word-book
    fortification weaponry nautical
    society armed hostility defence defensive work(s) [nouns] strength of fortification
    strengthc1480–
    
    Capacity to resist. Capacity of a fortification, fortified place, etc., to withstand assault or capture.
    force1577–
    
    In early use, the strength (of a fortress, defensive work, etc.). Subsequently, the fighting strength (of a ship), as measured by number of guns or…
    impregnableness1610–
    
    = impregnability, n.
    impregnability1847–
    
    The quality or condition of being impregnable; incapacity of being taken or reduced by force. literal and figurative.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society armed hostility defence defensive work(s) [adjectives]
    fastenedOld English
    
    Of a place: fortified. Cf. fasten, v. I.2a. Obsolete.
    stithOld English–1480
    
    Of a place of defence or confinement: Strong, stout; formidable, powerful. Obsolete.
    strongOld English–
    
    Of a fortress, town, country, or military position: difficult to capture or invade; well able to withstand assault; having powerful artificial or…
    warneda1300
    
    strengtheda1382–
    
    unpregnable1387–
    
    = impregnable, adj.
    embattledc1400–
    
    Architecture. Furnished with battlements, crenellated.
    enbanedc1400
    
    ? Fortified.
    impregnable1430–
    
    Of a fortress or stronghold: That cannot be taken by arms; incapable of being reduced by force; capable of holding out against all attacks.
    inexpugnable1490–
    
    That cannot be taken by assault or storm; incapable of being overcome, subdued, or overthrown by… literal of a fortress, an army, etc.
    warrayablea1500
    
    Fit for warfare.
    strengthy1513–1689
    
    Chiefly Scottish. Of a position or structure: able to withstand assault or capture. Obsolete.
    bulwarkeda1533–
    
    Furnished with, protected by, bulwarks.
    unexpugnable1533
    
    = inexpugnable, adj.
    fortified1538–
    
    Strengthened; provided with means of defence; protected with fortifications.
    well-fortified1538–
    
    Heavily or fully fortified; esp. provided with good fortifications; made strong or secure.
    unwinnablec1540–
    
    Not winnable; esp. of fortresses: Impregnable.
    forced1548–1602
    
    Fortified, made strong against attack. Obsolete.
    forted1566–
    
    unbatterable1576–
    
    (un-, prefix¹ affix 1b.)
    fencible?1579–
    
    Of a fortress, town, etc.: Capable of being defended; strong, well-fortified.
    unforcible1611–
    
    Incapable of being forced or enforced.
    impregnate1632–
    
    Used for impregnable, adj. & n.
    untakable1652–
    
    (un-, prefix¹ affix 1b.)
    of (good) force1697
    
    In early use, the strength (of a fortress, defensive work, etc.). Subsequently, the fighting strength (of a ship), as measured by number of guns or…
    casemated1740–
    
    Provided with casemates; (also) strongly fortified.
    well-girt1756–
    
    In extended use, of a building, stronghold, etc.: strongly fortified. Now rare.
    embattled1765–
    
    Fortified, made strong or secure against attack. Cf. embattled, adj.²
    strongish1821–
    
    Fairly strong (in various senses).
    unbreachable1866–
    
    (un-, prefix¹ affix 1b.)
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society armed hostility military equipment arming or equipping with weapons [adjectives]
    weaponedOld English–
    
    Furnished with weapons or a weapon; armed.
    armedc1300–
    
    Equipped with or carrying a weapon or weapons (now typically firearms); involving the use of weaponry. Formerly also: †wearing or fitted with armour…
    well-armedc1300–
    
    Fully or adequately armed for war or combat. Also in extended use.
    well-weaponeda1325–
    
    Equipped with good or numerous weapons; well-armed. Also figurative.
    armed to the teethc1380–
    
    So as to be completely equipped; very fully or completely: in armed to the teeth; so entrenched up to their teeth.
    well-steeledc1390–
    
    Having a good outer surface, edge, or point of steel; properly or thoroughly armed or protected with steel. Also figurative: made very hard or…
    warlikec1420–1711
    
    Equipped for fighting or for war. Obsolete.
    anarm1426–1553
    
    transitive. To fit or equip (a person or thing) with armour or weapons; = enarm, v.
    boden1429–1639
    
    Provided with arms, accoutred, armed. Obsolete.
    well-harnesseda1450–
    
    Esp. of a soldier: well armed or equipped.
    geared1488
    
    Equipped; armed. Obsolete.
    well-geared1488–1892
    
    Originally and chiefly Scottish. Finely or fully equipped with armour and weapons; well-armed. Obsolete (archaic in later use).
    well-boden1496–1835
    
    Fully armed or equipped. Obsolete (archaic in later use).
    warly1508–93
    
    Equipped or munitioned for war. Of a horse: Equipped and trained for war. = warlike, adj. A.2.
    enarmedc1540–1600
    
    Furnished with armour, equipped for battle.
    burled1616–1721
    
    Armed. (A dictionary word of very questionable authenticity.)
    undisarmed1649–
    
    (un-, prefix¹ affix 2.)
    of (good) force1697
    
    In early use, the strength (of a fortress, defensive work, etc.). Subsequently, the fighting strength (of a ship), as measured by number of guns or…
    tooled up1959–
    
    tooled up: equipped with an offensive weapon. slang.
    weaponized1973–
    
    Equipped with weapons. Also in extended use: characterized by the deployment or use of weapons; militarized.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society armed hostility military equipment arming or equipping with weapons [adverbs]
    in ferdc1330
    
    in ferd: in warlike array.
    in armsc1405–
    
    Armed; equipped with weapons or armour; ready to fight. Now somewhat archaic.
    under arms1637–
    
    under arms and variants: (a) (Of an army, nation, etc.) equipped with weapons or arms; in battle array; ready to fight; (b) originally and chiefly…
    of (good) force1697
    
    In early use, the strength (of a fortress, defensive work, etc.). Subsequently, the fighting strength (of a ship), as measured by number of guns or…
    in their shoes1815–
    
    Phrases and figurative uses. in one's shoes, without shoes, as a condition of measurement of stature. in their shoes: (of soldiers) fully equipped.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  3. I.3.c.
    1303–1548
    
    † with force: with, or by the employment of, military strength or numbers. Cf. I.5b. Sometimes apparently = in force at sense III.17. Obsolete.
    1303
    Wyþ fors þey gun wyþ hym fyghte.
    R. Mannyng, Handlyng Synne 3366
    c1400
    Thei assembled hem with force, and assayleden his Castelle.
    Mandeville's Travels (1839) xxvii. 279
    a1500 (?a1400)
    [He] sent letters on euery side, With fforce theder to hye.
    Sir Torrent of Portyngale (1887) l. 2109
    1548
    The Englishemen, whiche with greate force, theim receiued and manfully defended.
    Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. cvj
    1548
    Suche Castles..as his enemies there held, and with force defended.
    Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. cxcj
    [1884
    The numerous private members..came down with such force that a count out was plainly impossible.
    Graphic 21 June 595/2]
    military
    society armed hostility military power [adverbs]
    with force1303–1548
    
    with force: with, or by the employment of, military strength or numbers. Cf. I.5b. Sometimes apparently = in force at sense III.17. Obsolete.
    in forcec1315–
    
    in force. Military. Of a host, enemy, etc.: (Collected) in great military strength and large numbers (cf. sense I.3). Also, in great force.
    stronglyc1400–
    
    By military force; with a strong military force.
    in great force1793
    
    in force. Military. Of a host, enemy, etc.: (Collected) in great military strength and large numbers (cf. sense I.3). Also, in great force.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
4. I.4.
  
  concrete.
  1. I.4.a.
    1487–
    
    A body of armed men, an army. In plural the troops or soldiers composing the fighting strength of a kingdom or of a commander in the field; also in attributive use or in the possessive, esp. during the war of 1939–1945.
    1487 (a1380)
    We may nocht with Iuperdis Our felloune fais fors assale.
    J. Barbour, Bruce (St. John's Cambridge MS.) xix. 632
    1548
    The duke..seyng the force of the townes men more & more encreace.
    Hall's Vnion: Henry IV f. xiij^v
    1597
    Looke on my forces with a gracious eie.
    W. Shakespeare, Richard III v. v. 62
    1611
    When Tryphon saw that Ionathan came with so great a force.
    Bible (King James) 1 Maccabees xii. 42
    1726
    The Valour and Atchievements of our Forces by Sea and Land.
    J. Swift, Gulliver vol. I. ii. vi. 110
    1796
    A naval force is a very unsure defence.
    E. Burke, Correspondence (1844) vol. IV. 422
    1849
    The only standing force should be the militia.
    T. B. Macaulay, History of England vol. I. 575
    1851
    One of the leaders of the Parliamentary forces.
    W. H. Dixon, William Penn iv. 120
    1874
    A force of seven thousand men landed in Suffolk.
    W. Stubbs, Constitutional History (1875) vol. II. xiv. 14
    1942
    I see that a new version of this feature is now to begin in the new year on the Forces Programme.
    New Statesman 3 January
    1943
    The very inferior music often produced in the B.B.C. Forces' Programme.
    E. Olivier, Night Thoughts of Country Landlady iii. 25
    1945
    If you're a Forces bride you will be given a travelling warrant for the whole journey from your British home to your new home in America.
    News Review 10 May
    1945
    A statement in a ‘forces’ newspaper.
    Manchester Guardian 18 July
    1952
    The Forces' sweetheart. Vera Lynn, the British vaudeville and radio singer, was a great favourite with the troops in the second world war, hence the sobriquet.
    W. Granville, Dictionary of Theatrical Terms 80
    1959
    The man and the girl,..whom we observe listening intently to Forces Favourites.
    Times Literary Supplement 2 October 556/4
    in extended use
    1841
    The force which will be arrayed against a Bill.
    T. B. Macaulay in G. O. Trevelyan, Life & Letters of Macaulay (1876) vol. II. ix. 147
    military
    society armed hostility armed forces [nouns]
    mainOld English–1325
    
    A body of soldiers; a (military) force. Obsolete.
    strength?a1160–
    
    Military. Collectively: troops, armed forces; the ships of a navy; personnel, equipment, or resources for waging war or defending against attack.
    armaturea1450–1768
    
    A detachment of armed soldiers; (as a mass noun) armed soldiers collectively or as a military unit. Obsolete.
    force1487–
    
    concrete. A body of armed men, an army. In plural the troops or soldiers composing the fighting strength of a kingdom or of a commander in the…
    ranka1533–
    
    Military. A single line of soldiers drawn up abreast for drill or service, esp. as part of a formation; (in plural) a series of these; a force…
    armed forces1572–
    
    (With plural agreement) armed soldiers or military personnel; (esp. with the) the combined military forces of a country; the army, navy, and air…
    troops1598–
    
    plural. Armed forces collectively. Also figurative.
    military1757–
    
    With plural or singular agreement. Usually with the. The armed forces (of a country); soldiers or military personnel, esp. regarded as a class.
    fyrd1832–
    
    The military array of the whole country before the Conquest; also, the obligation to military service.
    the services1850–
    
    In plural (often as the services). The armed forces.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society armed hostility armed forces the Army [nouns] an army
    drightOld English–1400
    
    A multitude, host, army.
    drightfolkOld English–1275
    
    A people or army.
    ferdOld English–1375
    
    An army, host.
    ferdingOld English–1325
    
    A military expedition; an army.
    gingOld English–1632
    
    A company of armed men, a troop, army, host.
    hereOld English–1508
    
    An armed host, an army. Also, more generally: A host; a multitude, a great company.
    land-fyrdOld English–
    
    The land force.
    hostc1290–
    
    An armed company or multitude of men; an army. Now archaic and poetic.
    powerc1300–
    
    Control or authority over others; dominion, rule; government, command, sway. Frequently with †of, †on, over.
    preyc1300–1500
    
    A company or troop of soldiers; an army. Obsolete.
    chivalry1382–1530
    
    As at one time the ‘chivalry’ constituted the main strength of a medieval army (the archers, slingers, etc. being mere subordinate adjuncts), the…
    puissance1423–1675
    
    An armed force. Obsolete.
    enarmec1430
    
    = army, n.
    exercite1485–1550
    
    An army, host.
    force1487–
    
    concrete. A body of armed men, an army. In plural the troops or soldiers composing the fighting strength of a kingdom or of a commander in the…
    armya1522–
    
    spec. An organized body of soldiers trained and equipped to fight on land; a land force.
    land-force1614–
    
    A force serving on land; a military as opposed to a naval force. Also plural the troops or soldiers composing such a force.
    wall1657
    
    figurative. Applied to the sea, the navy or shipping (as Britain's external defence); also to an army (as the safeguard of a country).
    ground force1929–
    
    = land-force, n.; also attributive.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society armed hostility armed forces [nouns] British
    force1942–
    
    concrete. A body of armed men, an army. In plural the troops or soldiers composing the fighting strength of a kingdom or of a commander in the…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.4.b.
    1851–
    
    A body of police; the whole body of police on service in a town or district; often absol. the force = police officers collectively.
    1851
    One boy..vowed vengeance against a member of the force.
    H. Mayhew, London Labour vol. I. 16/1
    1861
    I was nobody in the Gardenford force.
    M. E. Braddon, Trail of Serpent iv. vi. 226
    1875
    She will protect your tranquility better than a force of policemen.
    P. G. Hamerton, Intellectual Life (ed. 2) vii. vi. 259
    police
    society law law enforcement police force or the police [nouns]
    police1798–
    
    The civil force of a state responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing the law, including preventing and detecting crime; (with plural…
    police force1820–
    
    constabulary1837–
    
    The organized body of constables or peace officers of a country or specified district.
    the force1851–
    
    concrete. A body of police; the whole body of police on service in a town or district; often absol. the force = police officers collectively.
    John Law1903–
    
    A (male) police officer; the police or forces of the law considered collectively; cf. John, n. I.3.
    button1921–
    
    U.S. slang. A uniformed police officer. Frequently in plural, with the: the police. Cf. buttons, n. 2b Now dated.
    fuzz1929–
    
    A police officer or detective (see also quot. 1931); frequently collective, the police.
    law1929–
    
    colloquial (originally U.S.). A policeman, the police; a sheriff.
    Babylon1943–
    
    Chiefly Jamaican (esp. in the context of Rastafarianism). A contemptuous or dismissive term for: anything regarded as representing the degenerate…
    monaych1961–
    
    The police. Also as a count noun: a police officer.
    filth1967–
    
    British colloquial (derogatory). With plural agreement. Usually with the. The police. Also occasionally as singular: a police officer.
    heat1967–
    
    slang (originally U.S.), in various interconnected senses, notably (a) A gun (? as an instrument of ‘heat’); cf. heater, n. 1b; (b) in to turn on (or…
    Bill1969–
    
    The police (frequently preceded by the). Also: a (male) police officer.
    Old Bill1970–
    
    British slang. Frequently with the. The police force; police officers collectively. Cf. Bill, n.⁵
    beast1978–
    
    Chiefly Caribbean slang (derogatory). Usually with the. The police. Also: a police officer.
    blues and twos1985–
    
    The emergency services (frequently the police).
    dibble1990–
    
    With the and plural agreement: the police. Also as a count noun: a police officer.
    po-po1994–
    
    With plural agreement. With the. The police. Also as a count noun: a police officer.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  3. I.4.c.
    a1552
    
    † ? A fort. Obsolete. rare.
    a1552
    About a Myle by West of Penare is a Force nere the shore.
    J. Leland, Itinerary (1711) vol. III. 15
    fortification
    society armed hostility defence defensive work(s) fort or fortified town [nouns]
    boroughOld English–1520
    
    A fortified town; a town possessing municipal organization (cf. Old English burhwaru body of citizens); more generally, any inhabited place larger…
    chesterOld English–1881
    
    A city or walled town; originally one that had been a Roman station in Britain.
    fastnessOld English–
    
    A place which can easily be defended against attack; a stronghold; a fortress. Also figurative.
    strength?c1225–
    
    A stronghold, a fortress, a fastness. Now historical and chiefly with reference to Scotland.
    warnestore1297–1338
    
    ? A magazine for provisions, ? a fortified place.
    fortressc1330–
    
    A military stronghold, fortified place; in modern use chiefly one capable of receiving a large force; often applied to a strongly fortified town…
    holdc1330–
    
    A fortified place of defence; a fort or fortress; a stronghold, n. archaic.
    strongholdc1384–
    
    A place strongly fortified against attack, a secure place of refuge or retreat.
    motec1390–1450
    
    Chiefly poetic. A castle, fortress; a city. in mote: among men. Obsolete.
    fortalicec1425–
    
    In early use = fortress, n.; by modern writers chiefly used for: ‘A small outwork of a fortification’ (W.); a small fort.
    garnisonc1430–1520
    
    ? A stronghold or fortress occupied by armed forces. (Somewhat doubtful.)
    garrisonc1430–
    
    †(a) A fortress or stronghold. Obsolete. (b) (from sense 4) A place in which troops are quartered for defensive or other military purposes; a…
    town of war1441–
    
    In phrasal combinations designating things pertaining to warfare, as munitions of war, †weeds of war. †castle of war, house of war, place of war, t…
    wall-town1488
    
    A walled or fortified town.
    strengh1489
    
    concrete. A fortified place.
    afforciament1509–1822
    
    A fortress; a fortified place. Obsolete.
    piece1525–1721
    
    A fortress or stronghold. Obsolete.
    forcea1552
    
    concrete. ? A fort. Obsolete. rare.
    citadel1567–
    
    gen. A strong fortress, a stronghold.
    fort1569–
    
    Military. A fortified place; a position fortified for defensive or protective purposes, usually surrounded with a ditch, rampart, and parapet, and…
    place1575–1813
    
    A fortress, a citadel; a fortified city. Obsolete.
    holt1600
    
    A stronghold; = hold, n.¹ II.10. Obsolete.
    alcazar1623–
    
    A palace. Also: a fortress, a castle. Also figurative.
    fasthold1623–
    
    A place strongly fortified against attack; a secure place of refuge or retreat; a stronghold (literal and figurative).
    afforcement1642
    
    = afforciament, n. 1. Obsolete.
    castle-town1646–
    
    A town defended by a castle; also (Scottish) a collection of houses lying near or under a castle.
    post1648–
    
    Military. A place where an armed force is permanently quartered for defensive or strategic purposes; a fort. Also North American: the garrison…
    garrison-town1649–
    
    A fortified town in which a garrison is stationed.
    bridlea1661–93
    
    A fortress keeping an enemy in check. Compare bridle, v. 1b. Obsolete.
    palank1685–1853
    
    Esp. in the Ottoman Empire: a camp or position fortified with a stockade.
    place of arms1704–
    
    Army. A strongly fortified city, used as an arsenal or place of retreat (now archaic and historical); (also occasionally) †a tent at the head of…
    ostrog1761–
    
    In Russia (esp. in Siberia): a fortified house or village surrounded by a palisade or wall; a fort; a prison.
    qila1761–
    
    A fort or fortress.
    presidio1763–
    
    A garrison, a fortified settlement, esp. one formerly established by the Spanish in areas under Spanish control to protect settlements and…
    gurry1786–
    
    A small Indian fort.
    thana1803–
    
    A police station in India; formerly, a military station or fortified post.
    pa1823–
    
    Originally: a fortified Māori village or stronghold (now historical). In later use: any Māori village or settlement.
    castrum1836–
    
    A Roman encampment or fortress.
    lis1845–
    
    A circular enclosure having an earthen wall; often used as a fort.
    Gibraltar1856–
    
    figurative. An impregnable stronghold.
    training post1867–
    
    Military. A fort, camp, etc., at which soldiers or other members of the armed forces are trained. Also in extended use.
    kasbah1902–
    
    (a) A North African castle or fortress. (b) The Arab quarter surrounding a castle or fortress in a North African town, esp. that of Algiers.
    jong1904–
    
    A Tibetan building (also, a territorial and administrative division) constituting a prefecture, frequently also serving as a fortress, a…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  4. I.4.d.
    1807–
    
    U.S. (See quots.)
    1807
    Force, is here employed when speaking of the number of slaves employed in field labour on each plantation.
    C. W. Janson, Stranger in America 309
    1834
    The force of the traveller—for such is the term by which the number of his slaves is understood—was small.
    W. G. Simms, Guy Rivers vol. II. viii. 97
    1837
    All the ‘force’ that could be collected on a hasty summons,—that is, almost every able-bodied man in the city and neighbourhood, was sent out with axes to build us a bridge.
    H. Martineau, Society in America vol. I. ii. 344
    1871
    Force is a common name for a gang of laborers, whether they are Irishmen at work on a railway, or negroes employed on a plantation.
    M. Schele de Vere, Americanisms (1872) 475
    1899
    A high wind..showered down hundreds of bushels of apples, [and] one is confronted by the alternative of sending for the ‘force’ to pick them up on Sunday or letting the sun scald and ruin them.
    Monthly South Dakotan vol. 1 138
    U.S. English
5. 1. I.5.a.
    a1340–
    
    Physical strength or power exerted upon an object; esp. the use of physical strength to constrain the action of persons; violence or physical coercion. †to make force: to use violence to.
    a1340
    Lord .i. suffire force [Latin vim patior].
    R. Rolle, Psalter Comm. Cant. 497
    1382
    And foors thei maden [Latin vim faciebant] to Loth moost hidowsly.
    Bible (Wycliffite, early version) Genesis xix. 9
    1413
    Force is nouther ryght ne reson.
    Pylgremage of Sowle (1483) iv. xii. 63
    1582
    Deeming..that those blacke men meant him no harme, nor would offer anye force.
    N. Lichefield, translation of F. L. de Castanheda, 1st Booke of Historie of Discouerie East Indias ii. 7 b
    1667
    To work in close design, by fraud or guile What force effected not.
    J. Milton, Paradise Lost i. 647
    1687
    Such cruel methods being apt to make the world suspect that our best argument is force.
    R. Boyle, Martyrdom of Theodora (1703) i. 6
    1789
    Force can accomplish many things which would be beyond the reach of cunning.
    J. Bentham, Introduction to Principles of Morals & Legislation xiii. §2
    1840
    Nothing will justify force while any other means remain untried.
    H. Rogers, Introd. Burke's Works 82
    1889
    The prince, after having his ears boxed, said that ‘force was no argument’.
    A. Lang, Prince Prigio ii. 10
    the world action or operation behaviour bad behaviour violent behaviour [intransitive verbs] behave violently or use force
    to do outragec1325–
    
    Violence affecting others; violent injury or harm (sometimes spec. sexual assault or rape).
    to make forcea1340–
    
    Physical strength or power exerted upon an object; esp. the use of physical strength to constrain the action of persons; violence or physical…
    deray1340–75
    
    reflexive and intransitive. To act or behave in a disorderly manner; to rage.
    outrayc1390–1450
    
    intransitive. To act violently; to do harm or injury; to commit outrages. Obsolete.
    to make strengtha1393–1876
    
    to make strength: (a) To resort to force; (b) to make military preparations; to gather an armed force. Obsolete.
    tar and tig?a1500–68
    
    intransitive. tar and tig, tig and tar, to act forcefully or wantonly; to use force and violence. Scottish.
    bull1884–
    
    To behave or move like a bull; to act with violence in the manner of a bull. Also reflexive. U.S. slang.
    strong-arm1906–
    
    intransitive. To proceed in an aggressive, coercive, or bullying manner.
    to kick ass1977–
    
    to kick ass: (slang originally and chiefly U.S.), to act roughly or aggressively; to be powerful or assertive.
    to get medieval1994–
    
    colloquial. Originally U.S. to get (also go) medieval: to use violence or extreme measures on, to become aggressive.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world action or operation manner of action effort or exertion [nouns] physical effort or force exerted on an object
    forcea1340–
    
    Physical strength or power exerted upon an object; esp. the use of physical strength to constrain the action of persons; violence or physical…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world action or operation behaviour bad behaviour violent behaviour [nouns] violent treatment or force
    strengthOld English–
    
    Individual or collective power or resilience; an individual's or unit's power or resilience. Superior power exerted for conquest or compulsion…
    strong handOld English–
    
    The exercise of superior power or strength; the use of force; coercion. Also: firm and decisive action. Formerly usually without article or…
    strenghc1300–1400
    
    Force, violence.
    violencec1300–
    
    The deliberate exercise of physical force against a person, property, etc.; physically violent behaviour or treatment; (Law) the unlawful exercise…
    mightc1325
    
    Great strength, imposing power. Now somewhat rhetorical. As an attribute of a person or other living creature, or of nation or other group or…
    stuntisea1327
    
    ? Arrogance, violence.
    forcea1340–
    
    Physical strength or power exerted upon an object; esp. the use of physical strength to constrain the action of persons; violence or physical…
    forcinga1382–
    
    The action of force, v.¹
    enforcinga1390–
    
    The action of enforce, v. in its various senses. †concrete that which enforces.
    forcenessc1400–1519
    
    Force, strength, violence.
    violation?c1500–
    
    The action of treating someone or something violently or roughly; damage, injury. Now historical and rare.
    efforce1549
    
    A violent means.
    Stafford law1567–1736
    
    Used with punning reference to staff, n.¹ I.4a to allude to a beating or physical punishment. The use of violence, esp. beating with a stick, to…
    enforcement1577–1616
    
    The action of bringing force to bear upon, doing violence to, or overcoming by force (a person or thing). Also figurative a strained interpretation…
    vexation1605–1702
    
    The action of subjecting something, or the fact of being subjected, to violence or force. Also: an instance of this. Obsolete.
    club-law1612–
    
    The use of the club to enforce obedience; physical force as contrasted with argument; law or rule of the physically stronger.
    aspertee1660
    
    Rigour, violence, force.
    physical force1716–
    
    (a) An influence acting within the physical world, a force of nature; a mechanical force; (b) physical strength used to coerce, constrain, or…
    strong arm1836–
    
    Originally U.S. With the. Physical force or violence, spec. as used in the course of robbery. Cf. strong hand, n. Now somewhat rare.
    savaging1858–
    
    The action or an act of attacking a person, animal, etc., violently or ferociously; savage behaviour or action.
    muscle1879–
    
    slang (originally U.S.). Force, violence, coercion; the threat of physical violence used as a means of obtaining submission or cooperation. Esp. in…
    strong-arming1906–
    
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society authority subjection obedience compulsion [nouns] physical coercion
    forcea1340–
    
    Physical strength or power exerted upon an object; esp. the use of physical strength to constrain the action of persons; violence or physical…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.5.b.
    c1320–
    
    esp. in by force = by employing violence, by violent means, also †under compulsion. †Formerly also through, with, of force; also, par force, by perforce, force perforce (see perforce v.). Also, †by fine force or with fine force, a-force fine: see by (also with, by) fine force at fine adj. A.I.1b. Often implying the use of armed force or strength of numbers: cf. I.3c.
    c1320
    Par force he hadde me forht i nome.
    Seuyn Sag. (W.) 488
    c1380
    Þanne þay asayllede Scot Gwylmer & toke him a-force fyne.
    Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 972
    1484
    The thynge which is promysed by force & for drede is not to be hold.
    W. Caxton, translation of Subtyl Historyes & Fables of Esope ii. xi
    1487 (a1380)
    Mony worthy men and wicht, Throu fors, wes fellit in that ficht.
    J. Barbour, Bruce (St. John's Cambridge MS.) xii. 524
    1594
    Which Warwicke by maine force did win.
    W. Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 2 i. i. 210
    1611
    When Iesus therefore perceiued that they would come and take him by force, to make him a King.
    Bible (King James) John vi. 15
    1701
    The Bad with Force they eagerly subdue.
    D. Defoe, True-born Englishman ii. 40
    1754
    One of his train..attempted to make his way by force.
    D. Hume, History of England (1812) vol. I. iii. 163
    1875
    The common people..can only be made to sing and step in rhythm by sheer force.
    B. Jowett, translation of Plato, Dialogues (ed. 2) vol. V. 241
    the world action or operation behaviour bad behaviour violent behaviour [phrases] by violence or force
    strong handOld English–
    
    The exercise of superior power or strength; the use of force; coercion. Also: firm and decisive action. Formerly usually without article or…
    by forcec1320–
    
    esp. in by force = by employing violence, by violent means, also †under compulsion. †Formerly also through, with, of force; also, par force, by per…
    through, with, of forcec1320–
    
    esp. in by force = by employing violence, by violent means, also †under compulsion. †Formerly also through, with, of force; also, par force, by per…
    by or with strifec1330–1540
    
    Phr. by or with strife: by force or violence. Obsolete.
    by way of feat1362–1560
    
    Action in general; overt action; deeds, as opposed to words. by way of feat (Law; = French par voie de fait): by violence. Obsolete.
    by (also with, by) fine forcea1375–1833
    
    fine force: sheer force of reasoning; (also) absolute necessity. Chiefly in by (also with, by) fine force. Obsolete.
    by mighta1425–
    
    by might: by wrongful force or violence; by force of arms.
    by force and armsa1481–
    
    spec. in Law: Unlawful violence offered to persons or things. by force and arms: translation of Law Latin vi et armis. a force: a particular act or…
    by way of deed1535–1600
    
    Phrases. Scots Law. by way of deed: by violence. Cf. by way of feat at feat, n. 1b. Obsolete.
    by (the) head and shoulders1571–
    
    by (the) head and shoulders: (with reference to dragging, thrusting, etc.) violently, roughly, esp. in figurative contexts with reference to…
    by (the) head and ears1590–
    
    by (the) head and ears: (with reference to pulling, dragging, etc.) roughly, violently; unceremoniously. Also figurative. Cf. by (the) head and shou…
    sting and ling1816–
    
    (to carry) with or by sting and ling: with a rope suspended from a pole borne on two or more persons' shoulders. Also sting and ling (without…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  3. I.5.c.
    a1481–
    
    spec. in Law: Unlawful violence offered to persons or things. by force and arms: translation of Law Latin vi et armis. a force: a particular act or instance of unlawful violence.
    [a1481
    Le tenaunt..luy forstalla le voye ouesque force en armes.
    T. Littleton, Tenures (1482) ii. sig. cviii]
    a1481
    Il defendera forsque tort & force [1528–30 transl. he..shall defende but the wronge and the force].
    T. Littleton, Tenures (1482) ii. sig. ciii^v
    1594
    Force is either simple or mixt.
    W. West, Symbolæography: 2nd Part §65
    1618
    Also women, and children, may commit a force.
    M. Dalton, Countrey Justice 196
    1628
    Force, vis, in the Common Law is most commonly taken in ill part, and taken for unlawful violence.
    E. Coke, 1st Part of Institutes of Lawes of England §240. 161 b
    1768
    This distinction of private wrongs, into injuries with and without force.
    W. Blackstone, Commentaries on Laws of England vol. III. viii. 119
    1818
    Where a person is prevented from barring an estate tail by force and management.
    W. Cruise, Digest of Laws of England Real Property (ed. 2) vol. I. 102
    1826
    That no Judgment..shall be stayed or reversed..for the Omission..of the Words ‘with Force and Arms’.
    Act 7 George IV c. 64 §20
    1842
    It seems I broke a close with force and arms.
    Lord Tennyson, Edwin Morris 131
    law
    the world action or operation behaviour bad behaviour violent behaviour [phrases] by violence or force
    strong handOld English–
    
    The exercise of superior power or strength; the use of force; coercion. Also: firm and decisive action. Formerly usually without article or…
    by forcec1320–
    
    esp. in by force = by employing violence, by violent means, also †under compulsion. †Formerly also through, with, of force; also, par force, by per…
    through, with, of forcec1320–
    
    esp. in by force = by employing violence, by violent means, also †under compulsion. †Formerly also through, with, of force; also, par force, by per…
    by or with strifec1330–1540
    
    Phr. by or with strife: by force or violence. Obsolete.
    by way of feat1362–1560
    
    Action in general; overt action; deeds, as opposed to words. by way of feat (Law; = French par voie de fait): by violence. Obsolete.
    by (also with, by) fine forcea1375–1833
    
    fine force: sheer force of reasoning; (also) absolute necessity. Chiefly in by (also with, by) fine force. Obsolete.
    by mighta1425–
    
    by might: by wrongful force or violence; by force of arms.
    by force and armsa1481–
    
    spec. in Law: Unlawful violence offered to persons or things. by force and arms: translation of Law Latin vi et armis. a force: a particular act or…
    by way of deed1535–1600
    
    Phrases. Scots Law. by way of deed: by violence. Cf. by way of feat at feat, n. 1b. Obsolete.
    by (the) head and shoulders1571–
    
    by (the) head and shoulders: (with reference to dragging, thrusting, etc.) violently, roughly, esp. in figurative contexts with reference to…
    by (the) head and ears1590–
    
    by (the) head and ears: (with reference to pulling, dragging, etc.) roughly, violently; unceremoniously. Also figurative. Cf. by (the) head and shou…
    sting and ling1816–
    
    (to carry) with or by sting and ling: with a rope suspended from a pole borne on two or more persons' shoulders. Also sting and ling (without…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society law rule of law lawlessness specific offences [nouns] unlawful violence
    mayhem1447–
    
    Criminal Law. The infliction of physical injury on a person, so as to impair or destroy that person's capacity for self-defence; an instance of this…
    forcea1481–
    
    spec. in Law: Unlawful violence offered to persons or things. by force and arms: translation of Law Latin vi et armis. a force: a particular act or…
    mutilation1517–
    
    Scots Law. The act or process of disabling or maiming a person by wounding a limb or organ. Now historical.
    actual bodily harm1837–
    
    Minor physical injury inflicted on a person by the deliberate action of another, considered less serious than grievous bodily harm (cf. grievous b…
    grievous bodily harm1861–
    
    grievous bodily harm, a legal term denoting a serious injury (see quot. 1959). Also transferred.
    ABH1975–
    
    Actual bodily harm; cf. GBH, n.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society law rule of law lawlessness specific offences [phrases] with violence
    by force and armsa1481–
    
    spec. in Law: Unlawful violence offered to persons or things. by force and arms: translation of Law Latin vi et armis. a force: a particular act or…
    vi et armis1618–
    
    Violently, forcibly, by compulsion; spec. in Law, causing direct damage to person or property; also attributive. Cf. force, n.¹ I.5c.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world action or operation behaviour bad behaviour violent behaviour [nouns] violent treatment or force specifically in law
    forcea1481–
    
    spec. in Law: Unlawful violence offered to persons or things. by force and arms: translation of Law Latin vi et armis. a force: a particular act or…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world action or operation behaviour bad behaviour violent behaviour [nouns] violent treatment or force act or instance of
    outragec1300–
    
    An act of violence, esp. one committed against a person or against society; a violent injury or wrong; a gross indignity or affront. Also figurative.
    violencea1393–
    
    An instance or case of this; a violent or damaging act; a physical assault. Now rare.
    forcea1481–
    
    spec. in Law: Unlawful violence offered to persons or things. by force and arms: translation of Law Latin vi et armis. a force: a particular act or…
    stratagem1581–1616
    
    A violent act, esp. a murder. Obsolete.
    violency1632–1897
    
    An instance of violence; a violent act. Obsolete.
    savaging1858–
    
    The action or an act of attacking a person, animal, etc., violently or ferociously; savage behaviour or action.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society law rule of law lawlessness specific offences [nouns] unlawful violence instance of
    a force1594
    
    spec. in Law: Unlawful violence offered to persons or things. by force and arms: translation of Law Latin vi et armis. a force: a particular act or…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  4. I.5.d.
    1387–1805
    
    † In non-material sense: Constraint or compulsion exerted upon a person. Also, a force, as to put a force upon: to put compulsion or constraint upon, to constrain; to strain or wrest the meaning of. to be upon the force: ? to act under self-constraint and against one's natural impulses. under a force: under compulsion. Obsolete.
    1387
    Godwyne..swore þat he didde nevere suche þinges, bot constreyned by þe force of kyng Harold.
    J. Trevisa, translation of R. Higden, Polychronicon (Rolls) vol. VII. 141
    1576
    The monie which you sent us, uppon the force of our commaundement.
    A. Fleming, translation of C. Plinius Novocomensis in Panoplie of Epistles 261
    1662
    We come not to criminate, or to force a ball into the Dedan, but if any brick-wall expressions happen, that cannot be designed otherwise, it is rather a force upon us.
    A. Mervyn, Speech to Duke of Ormond 4
    1667
    Beyond this had bin force, And force upon free Will hath here no place.
    J. Milton, Paradise Lost ix. 1173
    1681
    In many places..Men were chosen by Force and Threats..upon which reasons he concludes that it was no Parliament, since it was under a Force.
    Bishop G. Burnet, History of Reformation: 2nd Part 252
    1690
    It was a very unfortunate Force, which the Soldiers..put upon me, to burn the Town.
    Wolsely in London Gazette No. 2536/2
    1697
    Nor cou'd his Kindred; nor the kindly Force Of weeping Parents, change his fatal Course.
    J. Dryden, translation of Virgil, Georgics iii, in translation of Virgil, Works 108
    1707
    A Man can't be always upon the force, the Actor will sometimes tire.
    J. Norris, Practical Treatise Humility v. 203
    1729
    They may all be understood to be implied in these words of our Saviour, without putting any force upon them.
    Bishop J. Butler, Sermon xiii, in Works (1874) vol. II. 173
    1774
    The whole is effected with a great strain and force upon history.
    J. Bryant, New System (new edition) vol. I. 136
    1805
    I have very little society, and that is quite a force upon my friends.
    H. K. White, Letter 19 December in Remains (1807) vol. I. 196
    society authority subjection obedience compulsion [nouns]
    needOld English–1530
    
    Violence, force, constraint, or compulsion, exercised by or upon a person. Obsolete.
    distressc1384–1590
    
    The action or fact of straining or pressing tightly, strain, stress, pressure; figurative pressure employed to produce action, constraint…
    force1387–1805
    
    In non-material sense: Constraint or compulsion exerted upon a person. Also, a force, as to put a force upon: to put compulsion or constraint…
    stressc1390–1655
    
    Force, threats, or other pressure used against a person in order to compel them to do (or, less commonly, prevent them from doing) something…
    artingc1400–1568
    
    Constraint; compulsion.
    coactionc1400–
    
    Compulsion, constraint, coercion. (Very frequent in 16–17th centuries; now rare.)
    constrainauncec1400
    
    Constraint.
    compulsion1462–
    
    The action, or an act, of compelling, or the condition of being compelled; constraint, obligation, coercion.
    enforcement1477–
    
    Constraint, compulsion; a constraining or compelling influence. rare in modern use.
    coercion1495–
    
    Constraint, restraint, compulsion; the application of force to control the action of a voluntary agent.
    forcement1524–1634
    
    Compulsion; also, a compelling motive.
    enforcing1531
    
    The action of enforce, v. in its various senses. †concrete that which enforces.
    strain1532–1702
    
    Compulsion. Obsolete.
    constraint1533–
    
    The exercise of force to determine or confine action; coercion, compulsion.
    coercement1592
    
    Constraint, application of force.
    constrainment1593
    
    = constraint, n.
    duress1596–
    
    Constraint, compulsion; spec. in Law, Constraint illegally exercised to force a person to perform some act.
    compulse1616
    
    = compulsion, n.
    obligement1641–1855
    
    Compulsion, constraint. Obsolete. rare.
    cogency1702
    
    Compulsion; application of force. Obsolete.
    coercive control1827–
    
    Power that is exercised over a person or group through the use of force, threat, or punishment.
    steamrolling1879–
    
    compression1880–
    
    Constraint, coercion.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society authority subjection obedience compulsion [phrases] under compulsion
    on compulsion1598–
    
    on compulsion.
    under task1671
    
    under task, under the command of a taskmaster; by compulsion. Obsolete.
    under a force1681
    
    In non-material sense: Constraint or compulsion exerted upon a person. Also, a force, as to put a force upon: to put compulsion or constraint…
    with a pistol at (also to) one's head1892–
    
    with a pistol at (also to) one's head: under pressure; while being threatened.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the mind operation of the mind intelligibility misinterpretation distortion or perversion of meaning [transitive verbs] pervert or distort
    crooka1340–1646
    
    figurative. To bend or turn out of the straight course, or from the direct meaning or intention; to pervert, ‘twist’. Obsolete.
    deprave1382–
    
    To corrupt (a text, word, etc.). archaic.
    pervertc1390–
    
    To turn aside (a process, action, text, etc.) from a correct state, course, or aim. transitive. To turn aside (a text, argument, concept, etc.) from…
    strainc1449–
    
    figurative. To force the meaning or sense of (words, an ordinance, decree, etc.); †to distort the form of (a word). Also absol.
    drawc1450–1742
    
    transitive. To assign a particular meaning or intention to (words, a statement, etc.); esp. to distort or misrepresent the meaning of (words)…
    miswrest?a1475–1583
    
    transitive. To distort; to pervert; esp. to distort the meaning of (a text).
    bewrya1522
    
    To wrest, distort.
    wry?1521–1649
    
    figurative. To wrest the meaning of; = writhe, v. II.9. Obsolete.
    to make a Welshman's hose ofa1529–1689
    
    to make a Welshman's hose of and variants: to interpret (a word, text, etc.) to suit oneself; to make a nonsense of; to muddle. Obsolete.
    writhea1533–1864
    
    figurative. transitive. To strain, distort, or pervert the meaning of (a text, passage, etc.); to twist. Cf. wrench, v. II.7, wrest, v. I.5, I.6…
    wrest1533–
    
    To strain or overstrain the meaning or bearing of (a writing, passage, word, etc.); to deflect or turn from the true or proper signification; to…
    invert1534–1776
    
    transitive. To distort (a text, argument, action, etc.) from the correct meaning or intent; to pervert, misconstrue, or misrepresent. Obsolete.
    wring?1541–
    
    To wrest or twist (a writing, words, etc.); to strain the purport or meaning of; to deflect, pevert; = wrest, v. I.5.
    depravate1548–1847
    
    transitive. = deprave, v.
    rack1548–
    
    transitive. To strain or twist the meaning of, give a forced interpretation to, (a word, phrase, or passage of writing).
    violent1549–1767
    
    transitive. To distort or corrupt the meaning of (words, a text, etc.).
    wrench1549–
    
    To twist, alter, or change from the right or true form, application, or import; to wrest, pervert, distort. Cf. wrest, v. I.5.
    train1551
    
    transitive. To stretch the sense of. Obsolete. rare.
    wreathe1556–1656
    
    transitive. figurative. To twist the meaning of or give a forced interpretation to (a text, communication, etc.); to misinterpret or twist the…
    throw1558–1923
    
    Scottish. transitive. To twist or distort the meaning of. Obsolete.
    glaik1567
    
    transitive. ? To pervert, sophisticate.
    detorta1575–1829
    
    transitive. To turn aside from the purpose; to twist, wrest, pervert (esp. words or sayings). (Common in 17th cent.)
    shuffle1589–1641
    
    transitive. To manipulate unfairly. Obsolete.
    wriggle1593–1637
    
    To twist, pervert. Cf. wrest, v. I.5. Obsolete.
    distortc1595–
    
    figurative. To give a twist or erroneous turn to (the mind, thoughts, views); to pervert or misrepresent (statements, facts).
    to put, set, place, etc. on the rack1599–
    
    to put, set, place, etc. on the rack: to stretch (faculties, words, etc.) to the limit; to put (a person) in an extremely difficult or awkward…
    twine1600–
    
    To turn (something) about, away, round, etc.; to twist or wring. Now dialect.
    wire-draw1610–1873
    
    transitive. To force or stretch (words, meaning, etc.) by subtle argument, often so as to distort the original intention; to reshape to suit…
    monstrify1617–1715
    
    transitive. To make monstrous; to distort, pervert.
    screw1628–1926
    
    transitive. To strain or distort (a message, text, etc.), esp. in order alter the meaning; to stretch; to extend the scope of. Obsolete.
    corrupt1630–
    
    To destroy the purity of (a language), the correctness or original form of (a written passage, a word, etc.); to alter (language) for the worse…
    gloss1638–
    
    transitive. To veil with glosses; to explain away; to read a different sense into. Also with away, over (the latter perhaps influenced by gloss, v.²…
    torture1648–
    
    figurative. To ‘twist’ (language, etc.) from the proper or natural meaning or form; to distort, pervert. Also with into.
    force1662–
    
    To put a strained sense upon (words). Also, to force (words) into a sense.
    vex1678–80
    
    transitive. To insist on putting forward; to press, strain, or urge. Obsolete.
    refract1700–
    
    transitive. figurative. To mediate; to alter; to distort.
    warp1717–
    
    To distort, wrest, misinterpret, give a false colouring to (a fact, account, etc.). Const. from, to, into.
    to put a force upon1729
    
    In non-material sense: Constraint or compulsion exerted upon a person. Also, a force, as to put a force upon: to put compulsion or constraint…
    twist1821–
    
    figurative. To wrest the form or meaning of; to pervert; to distort; to force a meaning from.
    ply1988–
    
    figurative. transitive. To change the will, disposition, or judgement of (a person); to bend the sense of (words); to adapt, accommodate. rare after…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society authority subjection obedience compulsion [intransitive verbs] compel act under compulsion
    to be upon the force1774
    
    In non-material sense: Constraint or compulsion exerted upon a person. Also, a force, as to put a force upon: to put compulsion or constraint…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
6. I.6.
  c1340–
  
  Mental or moral strength. Now only (influenced by sense I.2), power of vigorous and effective action, or of overcoming resistance. In early use also, power of endurance or resistance, fortitude.
  c1340
  Þey erre with-owtten charyte and vertue and force of sawle to stand agayne all ill styrrynges.
  R. Rolle, Prose Treat. 10
  1502
  Force is an other vertue by the whiche a man undertaketh to do or suffre for the loue of god these thynges stronge & harde.
  translation of Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) ii. viii. sig. l.i
  1534
  He can not be acompted a man of force that iudgeth payne and grefe to be moste mysery.
  R. Whittington, translation of Cicero, Thre Bookes of Tullyes Offyces i. sig. A.4
  1576
  Bend the powers of your spirite, and the force of your minde, that, [etc.].
  A. Fleming, translation of Sulpicius in Panoplie of Epistles 26
  1679
  What before we were Unable, this gives us Force to do.
  W. Penn, Address to Protestants (1692) ii. iv. 124
  1711
  He..hath rashly undertaken a Task which is infinitely above his Force.
  J. Dennis, Reflections Essay Crit. 1
  1871
  Real men of any force have a free sphere of their own.
  R. H. Hutton, Essays vol. II. 322
  1876
  There was another Son who in force of character stood out among his brothers.
  G. O. Trevelyan, Life & Letters of Macaulay vol. I. i. 9
  the world action or operation ability [nouns] strong or powerful
  craftOld English–1526
  
  Strength, might, power (physical or otherwise); (as an attribute of God) pre-eminent or transcendent power. Cf. might, n.¹ 3. Obsolete.
  strengthOld English–
  
  Power or resilience, whether physical, mental, or due to the possession of resources; capacity for… Without specification.
  powerc1300–
  
  Ability to act or affect something strongly; physical or mental strength; might; vigour, energy; effectiveness.
  forcec1340–
  
  Mental or moral strength. Now only (influenced by sense I.2), power of vigorous and effective action, or of overcoming resistance. In early use…
  foisona1400–
  
  Inherent vigour or vitality; power, strength, capacity. plural. Resources. Now chiefly Scottish.
  ability?1473–1825
  
  Bodily power, strength; (also) sexual potency. Obsolete (chiefly Scottish in later use).
  potence1483–
  
  Power, ability, strength. Also: an instance of this.
  potencya1500–
  
  Power, powerfulness; ability to accomplish or affect something; authority, influence.
  valency1623–56
  
  Might, power, strength. Obsolete. rare.
  potentiality1627–
  
  The quality of being powerful or having power. Cf. potential, adj. A.3. Now rare.
  potentialness1668–
  
  Potentiality.
  muscularity1871–
  
  figurative. Strength, energy, or robustness, esp. in a particular aspect or faculty.
  firepower1945–
  
  figurative. Strength or power, esp. with regard to financial, intellectual, emotional, etc., capacity.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  the mind emotion courage moral courage [nouns]
  forcec1340–
  
  Mental or moral strength. Now only (influenced by sense I.2), power of vigorous and effective action, or of overcoming resistance. In early use…
  fortitude?a1513–
  
  Moral strength or courage. Now only in passive sense: Unyielding courage in the endurance of pain or adversity. (One of the cardinal virtues.)
  starknessa1513–1600
  
  Scottish. Moral or spiritual strength; courage or steadfastness. Obsolete.
  moral courage1808–
  
  The kind of courage which enables a person to remain firm in the face of odium or contempt, rather than depart from what he or she deems the right…
  moral1883–
  
  = morale, n. 2. Now rare.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
7. 1. I.7.a.
    1582–
    
    Of things (in non-material or moral relations): Power to influence, affect, or control (esp. men in their actions, sentiments, etc.). to have force (to do): to avail.
    1582
    Mine appetite of lesse force then mine affection.
    Lyly in T. Watson's Centurie of Loue (Arb.) 29
    1605
    It [sc. learning] teacheth men the force of Circumstances.
    F. Bacon, Of Aduancement of Learning i. sig. C2^v
    1713
    Let not her cries or tears have force to move you.
    J. Addison, Cato iv. ii
    1751
    Such prejudices arise from the prevailing force of education.
    J. Jortin, Sermon (1771) vol. IV. vi. 117
    1816
    The force of habit is certainly very strong, and prejudices the mind throughout.
    M. Keating, Travels (1817) vol. I. 276
    1823
    S. was thought..a fit person to be consulted..from force of manner entirely.
    C. Lamb, Old Benchers in Elia 197
    1845
    I never heard that moral force won the battle of Waterloo.
    B. Disraeli, Sybil vol. III. vi. iii. 175
    1890
    The force of circumstances had thrust me upon him.
    F. W. Robinson, Very Strange Family 2
    society authority power influence [nouns]
    powerc1300–
    
    Capacity to direct or influence the behaviour of others; personal or social influence.
    authorityc1405–
    
    Power to influence the conduct and actions of others; personal or practical influence.
    voice1433–
    
    Originally: the right or privilege of speaking or voting in a legislative assembly. More generally: the right or privilege of exercising control…
    swaya1510–
    
    Prevailing, overpowering, or controlling influence.
    gravity1534–1741
    
    Weight, influence, authority. Obsolete.
    force1582–
    
    Of things (in non-material or moral relations): Power to influence, affect, or control (esp. men in their actions, sentiments, etc.). to have force (t…
    bias1587–
    
    That which sways or influences a person in their actions, perceptions, etc.; a controlling or directing influence. Now rare or merged in sense A.3c.
    interest1600–
    
    Influence due to personal connection; power of influencing the action of others; personal influence with (†in) a person or body of persons. to mak…
    prevalence1612–1879
    
    Effective force or power; influence, weight; efficacy; persuasiveness. Obsolete.
    prevailance1631–
    
    Efficacy, influence; = prevalence, n. 2. Now rare.
    pondus1638–
    
    A weight. Now chiefly figurative: a power to influence or bias, a moral force.
    prevailancya1649–
    
    = prevailency, n.
    prevailency1650–
    
    Formerly: †power, influence; = prevalence, n. 2 (obsolete). In later use: the quality of being widespread or common, pervasiveness; = prevalence, n.…
    influence1652–
    
    The capacity or faculty of producing effects by insensible or invisible means, without the employment of material force, or the exercise of formal…
    prevalency1652–
    
    Prevailing or effective power or influence; weight, persuasiveness; = prevalence, n. 2. Now rare.
    weight1710–
    
    Influence or authority (of a person) due to character or ability, position, office, wealth, or the like. Frequently in phrases of weight, of (grea…
    prevailingness1757–
    
    Prevalency; power to prevail or overcome.
    holding1770–
    
    That which holds or lays hold; an attachment; a means of laying hold or influencing.
    mojo1923–
    
    Magical power, voodoo, the art of casting spells; a charm or talisman used in casting such spells. More generally, esp. in recent use: a power…
    clout1958–
    
    Personal or private influence; power of effective action, weight (esp. in political contexts). slang (originally U.S.).
    muscle1965–
    
    colloquial. With modifying word: power or influence in a particular sphere, esp. business or politics.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world action or operation advantage efficacy [intransitive verbs] be efficacious
    workOld English–
    
    intransitive. Of a thing, system, etc.: to perform a function, operate, esp. in a specified manner. Of a plan, scheme, etc.: to have a specified…
    availc1300–
    
    intransitive. To be useful, helpful, or effective in accomplishing a purpose; to be effectual; to serve; to be of use or assistance. Chiefly in…
    makea1400
    
    intransitive. Probably: to be effective, succeed. Obsolete.
    prevaila1400–
    
    intransitive. To be effectual or efficacious; to be successful; to succeed. Now rare except as passing into sense 3a.
    to hit the nail upon (or on) the headc1450–
    
    to hit the mark (also nail, needle, pin); to hit the nail upon (or on) the head, usually figurative.
    effect1592–1817
    
    intransitive. To have an effect, be effectual; to accomplish its purpose. Obsolete.
    serve1593–
    
    intransitive. Chiefly in negative constructions. To bring about or give satisfaction or contentment; to be considered satisfactory, to meet one's…
    to tickle it1601–1761
    
    to tickle it: (?) to bring to an agreeable end; to ensure a satisfactory result. Obsolete.
    take1611–
    
    intransitive. Of an action, plan, etc.: to have the intended effect; to turn out well; to succeed. Cf. sense I.i.8d.
    executea1627
    
    absol. or intransitive. Of a thing: To perform its functions, ‘work’. Obsolete.
    to have force (to do)1713
    
    Of things (in non-material or moral relations): Power to influence, affect, or control (esp. men in their actions, sentiments, etc.). to have force (t…
    answer1721–
    
    intransitive. To satisfy requirements, to serve the purpose. Also with adverbial: to turn out in a specified manner.
    to take place1789
    
    To take effect, succeed; to be accomplished or realized. Obsolete.
    to do the trick1819–
    
    to do the trick, to accomplish one's purpose, do what is wanted; also (chiefly U.S.) to turn the trick.
    to hit (also go to, touch, etc.) the spot1836–
    
    colloquial (originally U.S.). to hit (also go to, touch, etc.) the spot: (esp. of food or drink) to be exactly what is required, to satisfy perfectly.
    produce1881–
    
    To bring into being or existence. intransitive. slang. To produce or come up with the goods, money, or results.
    to press (also push) the button1890–
    
    to press (also push) the button: to initiate a process or undertaking; to set something in progress, esp. so as to bring about a particular outcome…
    to come through1906–
    
    intransitive. Originally U.S. To act as desired or expected; to provide required information, money, support, etc.
    to turn the trick1933–
    
    to do the trick, to accomplish one's purpose, do what is wanted; also (chiefly U.S.) to turn the trick.
    to make a (also the) point1991–
    
    to make a (also the) point: to put forward a proposition; to contribute a pertinent or noteworthy comment; to prove a contention; (gen.) to attain an…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.7.b.
    1600–
    
    Peculiar power resident in a thing to produce special effects; virtue, efficacy.
    1600
    On whose eyes I might approue This flowers force in stirring loue.
    W. Shakespeare, Midsummer Night's Dream ii. ii. 75
    1671
    Think'st thou such force in Bread?
    J. Milton, Paradise Regain'd i. 347
    1709
    Beauty loses its force, if not accompanied with modesty.
    R. Steele, Tatler No. 34. ⁋4
    the world action or operation advantage efficacy [nouns] power or virtue of something
    gracec1300–1893
    
    In a thing: inherent beneficial power or efficacy; spec. healing power, health-giving properties. Cf. herb-grace, n. Obsolete.
    virtuea1398–
    
    As a count noun: a specific power or quality. A medicinal property of a plant, liquid, or other substance; a property which affects the body in a…
    faculty1490–1707
    
    Of things: A power or capacity; an active quality, efficient property or virtue. Obsolete.
    force1600–
    
    Peculiar power resident in a thing to produce special effects; virtue, efficacy.
    quality1647–64
    
    A habit; a power or faculty. Obsolete. rare.
    magnes1649–64
    
    figurative. Attractive quality.
    efforta1680
    
    Power: also, plural powers, properties. Obsolete.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  3. I.7.c.
    1551–
    
    esp. Power to convince or persuade the reason or judgement; convincing or appealing power. Often in of (great, etc.) force; †formerly also of force simply.
    1551
    This [argument] that foloweth, is of as good force.
    T. Wilson, Rule of Reason sig. Iiiij
    a1616
    Those occasions, Vnckle, were of force.
    W. Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 1 (1623) iii. i. 161
    1685
    Nor is Dr. H. his reason against it..of any force.
    R. Baxter, Paraphrase on New Testament Matt. xvi. 28
    1729
    The Force of this Conviction is felt by almost every one.
    Bishop J. Butler, 15 Sermons (ed. 2) Preface p. xiii
    1748
    You can never convey the Force and Fulness of his Ideas to another till you feel them yourself.
    J. Mason, Essay on Elocution 31
    1818
    The argument of long enjoyment was of no force.
    W. Cruise, Digest of Laws of England Real Property (ed. 2) vol. II. 514
    1849
    In both these two reasons there is force.
    G. Grote, History of Greece vol. VI. ii. l. 308
    1849
    They harangued..with some force on the great superiority of a regular army to a militia.
    T. B. Macaulay, History of England vol. II. 23
    the mind operation of the mind belief belief, trust, confidence act of convincing, conviction [nouns] power to convince
    faitha1393–1808
    
    Power to convince; credibility, credit, convincing authority. Obsolete.
    force1551–
    
    esp. Power to convince or persuade the reason or judgement; convincing or appealing power. Often in of (great, etc.) force; †formerly also of force…
    coercion1768
    
    figurative. Conviction, power to compel assent.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  4. I.7.d.
    1842–
    
    Of discourse, style, artistic creations, etc.: Strength or vividness of effect.
    1842
    The passage already quoted..is full of force and splendour.
    H. Rogers, Introd. Burke's Works 85
    1863
    Slender comes out in this play with extraordinary force.
    C. C. Clarke, Shakespeare-characters vi. 152
    1879
    The introduction of a considerable amount of black..gives great force to the pattern.
    Cassell's Technical Educator (new edition) vol. IV. 24/1
    society leisure the arts literature style of language or writing vigour or force [nouns]
    eloquence1382–
    
    The action, practice, or art of expressing thought with fluency, force, and appropriateness, so as to appeal to the reason or move the feelings. Also…
    elocution1509–1845
    
    Oratorical or literary expression of thought; literary ‘style’ as distinguished from ‘matter’; the power or art of appropriate and effective…
    gravity?1520–1649
    
    Grave, weighty, or serious character or nature; importance, seriousness. Of literary productions, style, etc. Obsolete.
    pith?1531–
    
    Force, power, energy (of words, speech, etc.). In later use chiefly: the quality of conveying meaning forcibly through brevity of expression…
    vigour1532–
    
    Of words, arguments, etc.
    emphasy1548–
    
    = emphasis, n.
    energy?1549–
    
    Chiefly Rhetoric. As a quality of written or spoken language, or of a specific word or phrase: the capacity to effectively or cogently express a…
    emphasisa1555–
    
    Force or intensity of expression.
    pithiness1557–
    
    The quality of being pithy; esp. fullness of meaning with brevity of expression; terseness, aphoristic character.
    abruptness1591–
    
    The quality or fact of being cut short; brevity; (in later use esp.) curtness or brusqueness of writing, speech, or manner.
    emphaticalness1647–
    
    The quality of being emphatic; esp. force or intensity of expression; = emphasis, n. I.3a.
    nervousness1727–1895
    
    Strength, vigour, force. Obsolete.
    cogency1750–
    
    The quality of being cogent; power of impelling or constraining; force (moral or logical).
    forcibility1771–
    
    The quality of being forcible.
    cogence1782–
    
    = cogency, n.
    verve1803–
    
    Intellectual vigour, energy, or ‘go’, esp. as manifested in literary productions; great vivacity of ideas and expression. (Common from 1870.)
    forcefulness1825–
    
    force1842–
    
    Of discourse, style, artistic creations, etc.: Strength or vividness of effect.
    snap1870–
    
    transferred. Of writings, etc.
    full-bloodedness1894–
    
    punch1901–
    
    figurative. colloquial (originally U.S.). A high or impressive level of forcefulness or effectiveness; vigour, effectiveness, impact.
    punchiness1915–
    
    The quality of being punchy; vigour, dynamism, forcefulness.
    compulsiveness1918–
    
    The fact or quality of being compulsive.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  5. I.7.e.
    1933–
    
    Australian and New Zealand. (See quots.)
    1933
    Force, the power of dogs to move sheep... Huntaways are sometimes spoken of as forcing dogs; but the term f [orce] is also applied to the ability of a heading dog to pull sheep.
    Press (Christchurch, New Zealand) 21 October 15/7
    1959
    Force, the ability of a sheepdog to control a mob of sheep, esp. without legging, i.e., leg-biting. A good dog is said to have a lot of force.
    S. J. Baker, Drum (1960) 110
    Australian English New Zealand English
8. 1. I.8.a.
    1593–
    
    Of a law, etc.: Binding power, validity.
    1593
    Hath not his edict the force of a law?
    R. Hooker, Of Lawes of Ecclesiasticall Politie i. x. 74
    1623
    Free pardon to each man that has deny'de The force of this Commission.
    W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher, Henry VIII i. ii. 102
    1786
    A country..in which the native authority had no force whatever.
    E. Burke, Articles of Charge against W. Hastings in Works (1842) vol. II. 177
    1863
    Proclamations which..should have the force of statutes.
    H. Cox, Institutions of English Government i. v. 25
    law
    society law rule of law [nouns] validity or legal force
    strengthOld English–
    
    (a) Legal power; authority. †(b) Validity, legal force (obsolete).
    vigour1425–
    
    Legal or binding force; validity. in vigour, in force or operation.
    avail1426–
    
    Law. Validity, authority. Only in negative constructions and preceded by of.
    vail1457–1537
    
    Scottish Law. Validity, authority. Esp. in of no vail. Cf. avail, n. 2. Obsolete.
    validity?1553–
    
    The quality of being valid in law; legal authority, force, or strength.
    force1593–
    
    Of a law, etc.: Binding power, validity.
    universality1599–
    
    Applicability or validity of a law or rule in every case or instance.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.8.b.
    1451–1679
    
    † of force: of binding power, valid. Obsolete.
    1451
    That alle Lettres patentis or grauntis by you..be voyde and of noo fors.
    in R. Arnold, Chronicle (c1503) f. lxviij^v/2
    1611
    For a Testament is of force after men are dead.
    Bible (King James) Hebrews ix. 17
    1679
    Whatsoever they shall decree, ought to be of Force.
    W. Penn, Address to Protestants (1692) ii. v. 163
    law
    society law rule of law [phrases] according to the law of legal validity
    of force1451–1679
    
    of force: of binding power, valid. Obsolete.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  3. I.8.c.
    1491–
    
    in force: operative or binding at the time. Also, in full force, †in his force. So to put in force, to enforce; to come into force (also †to take force), to come into operation, take effect.
    1491
    The foreseid statute..shuld be in his force and virtue fro thens perpetuelly to endure.
    Act 7 Henry VII c. 10
    1553
    By an order realmes stande, and Lawes take force.
    T. Wilson, Arte of Rhetorique (1580) 159
    1603
    Without respect vnto the league yet in force.
    R. Knolles, Generall Historie of Turkes 100
    1611
    Notwithstanding the law perisheth not, but ramaineth in his force.
    Bible (King James) 2 Esdras ix. 37
    1724
    The Officer..is..to limit the Time..for such Permit..to continue in Force.
    Act in London Gazette No. 6270/7
    1797
    In the south, however, this ancient custom still remains in full force.
    T. Holcroft, translation of F. Galiani in translation of F. L. Stolberg, Trav. vol. II. lxxxviii. 260
    1856
    He engaged to put in force the laws of Edward the Confessor.
    C. Knight, Popular History of England vol. I. xvii. 234
    1891
    The..Act..came into force immediately on its passing.
    Matthews in Law Times vol. 92 96/1
    the world action or operation undertaking beginning action or activity [intransitive verbs] begin action or activity become active or come into operation
    to take steadc1175–1400
    
    In various rare or occasional uses. to take stead: to take effect.
    commencec1380–
    
    intransitive. To make a start or beginning; to come into operation.
    to take effect1385–
    
    The state or fact of being operative or in force.
    to come into force (also to take force)1491–
    
    in force: operative or binding at the time. Also, in full force, †in his force. So to put in force, to enforce; to come into force (also †to take f…
    to come into (also in) play1568–
    
    to bring (also call, put) into (also †in) play: to bring into operation, make active, begin to exercise. to come into (also †in) play: (chiefly of…
    inure1589–
    
    intransitive. Chiefly Law. To come into operation; to operate; to be operative; to take or have effect. Often in form enure: see enure, v. 3.
    enure1607–
    
    intransitive. Chiefly Law. To come into operation; to take place, have effect; to be available; to be applied (to the use or benefit of a person)…
    to break out1862–
    
    intransitive. Of a goldfield: to come into operation. Also transferred. Australian and New Zealand.
    to make with ——1940–
    
    intransitive. slang (originally U.S.). To bring into operation; to use, affect; to concern oneself with.
    bite1948–
    
    intransitive. To have an adverse (esp. financial or economic) effect, esp. where this is or would be expected.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society authority command command or bidding [adjectives] of command, etc.: operative or binding
    unrevoked1419–
    
    Not retracted, rescinded, or annulled.
    unreverseda1425–
    
    Not reversed (in various senses); (in early use) esp. (of a law, judgement, etc.) not revoked or annulled.
    in his force1491–
    
    in force: operative or binding at the time. Also, in full force, †in his force. So to put in force, to enforce; to come into force (also †to take f…
    unrecalled1597–
    
    Not recalled, esp. not remembered.
    in force1603
    
    in force: operative or binding at the time. Also, in full force, †in his force. So to put in force, to enforce; to come into force (also †to take f…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    society law law enforcement [transitive verbs] enforce
    follow1425–1767
    
    transitive. To pursue or continue (an affair, a course of action, etc.) to its completion; (chiefly Scottish) to pursue (a suit or claim) in a court…
    force1580–1616
    
    transitive. To lay stress upon, press home, urge. Obsolete. Also, To enforce (a law, etc.).
    enforcea1616–
    
    To compel the observance of (a law); to support by force (a claim, demand, obligation).
    to put in force1856–
    
    in force: operative or binding at the time. Also, in full force, †in his force. So to put in force, to enforce; to come into force (also †to take f…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
9. I.9.
  1555–
  
  The real import or significance (of a document, statement, or the like); the precise meaning or ‘value’ (of a word, sentence, etc.) as affecting its context or interpretation; the power or value of a symbol or character.
  1555
  Thyrde is to be considered, the vertue, force, and effecte of the sayd Sacrament.
  E. Bonner, Profitable & Necessarye Doctryne M iij
  1690
  We will..consider the Force of the Text in hand.
  J. Locke, Two Treatises of Government i. v. §44
  1709
  The Examination of the Force of the Particle For.
  R. Steele, Tatler No. 58. ⁋2
  1728
  In our Language, the s between two Vowels has the Force of a z... In Hebrew, the Dagesch; and in Arabic, the Tesdid, have the Force of a Letter suppress'd. A Figure before a Cypher has the Force of ten.
  E. Chambers, Cyclopædia (at cited word)
  1732
  I comprehend the Force and Meaning of this Proposition.
  G. Berkeley, Alciphron vol. II. vii. v. 135
  1759
  Several who make use of that word [proportion], do not always seem to understand very clearly the force of the term.
  E. Burke, Philosophical Enquiry Sublime & Beautiful (ed. 2) iii. §2. 164
  1767
  We are next to consider the force and effect of a fine.
  W. Blackstone, Commentaries on Laws of England (new edition) vol. II. 353
  phonetics
  the mind operation of the mind intelligibility meaning meaning of linguistic unit drift, tenor, purport [nouns]
  sentence?c1225–1561
  
  The thought or meaning expressed, as distinguished from the wording; the sense, substance, or gist (of a passage, a book, etc.). Obsolete.
  intent1303–1676
  
  Meaning; import; purport. Obsolete.
  tenora1387–
  
  The course of meaning which holds on or continues through something written or spoken; the general sense or meaning of a document, speech, etc…
  intendment1390–
  
  Meaning conveyed or intended; signification; import. Now rare or Obsolete.
  strengthc1390–1693
  
  The tenor or import of a text, speech, etc. Obsolete.
  porta1393–1876
  
  figurative. Import, meaning; character or quality (of a matter). Obsolete (archaic in later use).
  meaningc1395–
  
  The sense or signification of a word, sentence, etc. With possessive: that which a speaker or writer intends to express, imply, or insinuate; the…
  process1395–1775
  
  The course or content of a narrative, treatise, argument, etc.; drift, tenor, gist. Obsolete.
  continencea1398
  
  Tenor, contents; content, capacity.
  purposec1400–
  
  Meaning, effect, import, esp. of words; = purport, n. 1. Chiefly in to this (also that, the same, etc.) purpose. Cf. cross-purpose, n. 1. Now rare.
  substance1415–
  
  That which is embodied in a statement; the meaning or purport of what is expressed in writing or speech; the gist or essential meaning of an account…
  purport1422–
  
  That which is conveyed or expressed, esp. by a formal document or speech; effect, tenor, import; meaning, substance, sense.
  matterc1450
  
  The substance of a book, speech, etc.; the contents of a composition in respect of the facts or ideas expressed, as distinct from the form of…
  storyc1450–75
  
  The meaning or purport of a person's words. Obsolete.
  containing1477–1616
  
  That which is contained; contents, tenor.
  contenu1477–1550
  
  = content, n.¹ I.2, I.3.
  retinue1484
  
  Tenor, import; substance. Obsolete. rare.
  fecka1500–99
  
  The purport, drift, tenor, or substance (of a statement, intention, etc.); = effect, n. 3b. Sometimes in collocation with form. Obsolete.
  content1513–1667
  
  The sum or substance of what is contained in a document; tenor, purport. In this sense, used both in singular and plural, and also in plural…
  drift1526–
  
  Meaning, purport, tenor, scope (of a speech or writing). Now the usual sense.
  intention1532–1668
  
  The way in which anything is to be understood; meaning, significance, import. Obsolete or blending with I.5.
  vein1543–1790
  
  The general character or tenor of something. Obsolete.
  importing1548–87
  
  That which is signified by a word or phrase; meaning, signification, import. Obsolete. rare.
  scope1549–
  
  The object which a writer or speaker has in view, that which he or she wishes to express or enforce; the main purpose, intention, or drift of a…
  course1551–1723
  
  The overarching purpose or intention of a narrative, document, etc.; the primary message or argument. Obsolete.
  importance1552–1796
  
  Meaning, significance; = import, n. I.2. Obsolete.
  force1555–
  
  The real import or significance (of a document, statement, or the like); the precise meaning or ‘value’ (of a word, sentence, etc.) as affecting its…
  sense?1556–1748
  
  An idea or connected series of ideas considered to be independent of the language in which it is expressed, and able to be expressed in a different…
  file1560–1647
  
  The thread, course, or tenor (of a story, argument, etc.). Obsolete.
  intelliment?1562
  
  = intendment, n. 3.
  proporta1578–1686
  
  = purport, n.
  preport1583
  
  = purport, n.
  import1588–
  
  That which is implied or signified, esp. by a document, phrase, word, etc.; purport, significance, meaning.
  importment1602–60
  
  Meaning, purport; = import, n. I.2.
  carriage1604–19
  
  figurative. The meaning, substance, or import of a passage, speech, text, etc. Obsolete.
  morala1616–1841
  
  Import, meaning, significance. Obsolete. rare.
  significancy1641–
  
  Meaning, import. Also: a particular meaning. Frequently with of. Cf. significance, n. 1a.
  amount1678–1881
  
  The full value, effect, significance, or importance of something. Obsolete.
  purview1688–
  
  In extended use: the scope or limits of anything (as a document, inquiry, scheme, subject, occupation, etc.); remit; intent.
  sentiment1713–
  
  esp. An emotional thought expressed in literature or art; the feeling or meaning intended to be conveyed by a passage, as distinguished from the…
  capacity1720
  
  Relation, tenor, sense (of words). Obsolete.
  spirit1742–
  
  Chiefly with the. The general intent or true meaning underlying a law, statement, etc., as opposed to its strict literal interpretation.
  message1828–
  
  The broad meaning of something; an expressed or implied central theme or significant point, esp. one with political, social, or moral importance…
  thrust1968–
  
  The principal theme or gist (of remarks, an argument, etc.); a point, aim, or purpose. Originally and chiefly U.S.
  messaging1977–
  
  The ideas or messages conveyed explicitly or implicitly in order to make a point or persuade an audience, esp. as part of a targeted commercial or…
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  the mind operation of the mind intelligibility meaning meaning of linguistic unit [nouns]
  to owe a wolda1325
  
  To mean, signify.
  meaninga1387–
  
  The sense or signification of a word, sentence, etc. Of language, a sentence, word, text, etc.: signification, sense. By extension: the thing…
  significationa1398–
  
  That which is signified by something; meaning, import, implication. Frequently with of. Of a word, phrase, etc. Frequently Linguistics and Semiotics…
  understanding1433
  
  Reference or application (to something).
  pretensionc1443–54
  
  Meaning, sense, signification. Obsolete. rare.
  intellect?a1475–1598
  
  That which is meant by something; sense, meaning, signification. Obsolete.
  tendment1519
  
  Meaning, significance.
  sense1530–
  
  The meaning of a written or spoken word, compound, or short phrase. Also: any of the various meanings of a word or short phrase; the meaning of a…
  reciprocation1604–61
  
  Equivalence; equivalent meaning. Obsolete. rare.
  sensing1613–
  
  The action of sense, v. (in early use chiefly in sense 1); an instance of this.
  denotation1614–
  
  The meaning or signification of a term.
  apprehension1615–46
  
  The conception or idea expressed by a word; meaning, sense. Obsolete. rare.
  explicitness1630–
  
  The quality of being explicit; distinctness of statement or (formerly) of apprehension; freedom from ambiguity or obscurity of meaning…
  sounda1631–1719
  
  Import, sense, significance. Obsolete.
  notion1646–1713
  
  The connotation or meaning of a word or term. Obsolete.
  bodementa1657
  
  Signification. Obsolete. rare.
  means1656
  
  Meaning.
  force1709
  
  The real import or significance (of a document, statement, or the like); the precise meaning or ‘value’ (of a word, sentence, etc.) as affecting its…
  notation1829
  
  Logic. A sensation as the immediate referent of a word. Cf. connotation, n. 2. Obsolete. rare.
  connotation1865–
  
  Logic. In non-technical use: The sum of what a word implies or means; meaning.
  content1875–
  
  The sum of qualities, notions, ideal elements given in or composing a conception; the substance or matter (of cognition, or art, etc.) as opposed…
  territory1875–
  
  figurative. An area of knowledge; a sphere of thought or action, a province. Also in figurative contexts.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  the mind language linguistics study of speech sound speech sound [nouns] phonetic or phonemic value
  force1732
  
  The real import or significance (of a document, statement, or the like); the precise meaning or ‘value’ (of a word, sentence, etc.) as affecting its…
  potestas1947–
  
  Phonetics. The phonetic or phonemic value of a letter in an alphabet. Chiefly historical.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
10. 1. I.10.a.
    a1400–1600
    
    † (Without article prefixed): A large quantity or number, plenty; const. of, which is omitted in quot. a1400 (cf. French force gens and the like). most force: the greater part (obsolete).
    a1400
    Two hundred schyppys ben wel vytailid With force hawberks, swerdes and knyvys.
    Coer de Lyon 1383
    1487 (a1380)
    The men mast fors com till his pes.
    J. Barbour, Bruce (St. John's Cambridge MS.) viii. 11
    a1500
    Of thi detturis maist force ar lukkin in clay.
    Liber Pluscardensis (Marchm. MS.) (1877) vol. I. 397
    ?a1600 (1584)
    The vther having force of freindis.
    R. Sempill, Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun, Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) vol. I. xlv. 385
    mathematics
    the world relative properties quantity greatness of quantity, amount, or degree [nouns] (a) great quantity or amount
    feleOld English–1300
    
    Quasi-n. Much, a great number or quantity. Chiefly with partitive genitive. Often qualified by how, like, so, too.
    muchc1230–
    
    A great deal, a great quantity. Also (Proverb) much will have more.
    good wone1297–1570
    
    (full) good wone, (full) great wone: a good number, a great quantity; used either in apposition (often following the noun qualified), or with…
    plentyc1300–1600
    
    With modifying adjective, in apposition to a preceding noun (as great plenty, much plenty, etc.): a large amount or quantity (with the effective…
    bushelc1374–
    
    loosely. A large quantity or number.
    sight1390–
    
    A show or display of something; hence, a great number or quantity; a multitude; a ‘deal’ or ‘lot’. Now colloquial or slang.
    muckle-whata1393–1450
    
    A great deal, many things; something consisting of many or varied components (cf. muchwhat, n.).
    forcea1400–1600
    
    (Without article prefixed): A large quantity or number, plenty; const. of, which is omitted in quot. 1400 (cf. French force gens and the like). most…
    manynessa1400
    
    A great number. Obsolete. rare.
    multitudea1400–
    
    In singular with mass noun. A great quantity of something. Now rare.
    packc1400–
    
    A large collection or set of similar, usually abstract things. Now frequently in pack of lies. In later use chiefly derogatory.
    a good dealc1430
    
    A quantity, an amount; qualified as good, great, vast, or the like; formerly, also, as poor, small, little, etc. a great deal: a large part…
    greata1450–
    
    A large part or amount (of). Cf. sense A.II.10a.ii.
    sackful1484–
    
    As much as would fill a sack; hence, hyperbolically, a great quantity, large amount.
    power1489–
    
    A large number, quantity, or amount; an abundance of, a great deal of; a lot of. Now chiefly English regional, Irish English, and U.S. regional…
    horseloadc1500–
    
    loosely or figuratively. A large load or quantity.
    mile1508–
    
    Chiefly in hyperbolic use. A great distance, amount, or interval. Cf. a million miles at million, adj. A.2.
    lump1523–
    
    A great quantity; a ‘lot’, ‘heap’. Also plural ‘lots’, ‘heaps’. slang. or dialect.
    a deal?1532–
    
    a deal is used pregnantly for a good or great deal, etc.; an undefined, but considerable or large quantity (rarely number); a ‘lot’. colloquial.
    peckc1535–
    
    A considerable quantity or number; a great deal, a heap, a lot. Chiefly in a peck of trouble(s).
    heapa1547–
    
    plural in same sense. Cf. the like use of ‘lots’.
    mass1566–
    
    A large amount, number, or quantity of a thing or things, material or immaterial (often with the sense of oppressive or bewildering abundance). Now…
    mass1569–
    
    A great quantity of money or treasure; a stock or fund. Also in Gambling: †the sum of the players' stakes (obsolete).
    gallon1575–
    
    figurative. A large amount.
    armful1579–
    
    More generally: a large quantity, a lot, a great deal.
    cart-load1587–
    
    Often figurative for a large quantity, ‘load,’ ‘heap’.
    muckle1599–
    
    A large sum or amount. Chiefly in proverb: many a little (also pickle) makes a muckle (now frequently in the garbled form many a mickle makes a muckle…
    bushelful1600–12
    
    As much as fills a bushel; figurative a large quantity.
    a load1609–
    
    loads (also a load): a great number or quantity (esp. of something desirable or nonsensical), ‘lots’, ‘heaps’. colloquial.
    wreck1612–
    
    A drifted or tossed-up mass; a large heap; a great quantity; an abundance. Now northern dialect.
    parisha1616
    
    As many people as would fill a parish. Obsolete. rare.
    herd1618–
    
    Of things: a great number, a mass.
    fair share1650–
    
    An equitable or reasonable portion or share of something; (more generally) a good number, a large amount, sometimes implying the amount is…
    heapa1661–
    
    Hence, in later colloquial use: A large number or quantity; a (great) deal, ‘a lot’.
    muchness1674–
    
    An instance of large quantity or (less commonly) large size.
    reams1681–
    
    In plural. Large quantities (of something, originally such as might be committed to paper).
    mort1689–
    
    A large quantity or number; a great deal. Usually with of.
    hantle1693–
    
    A (considerable) number or quantity; a good many, a good deal.
    doll?1719–
    
    A (large) piece or portion of something; a lump, a chunk.
    lift1755
    
    The quantity or weight that can be lifted at one time. spec. of paper. Also Scottish a large quantity.
    acre1759–
    
    In extended use: a wide expanse; (in plural) large quantities.
    beaucoup1760–
    
    In singular or plural. A large amount or number; a lot, lots, plenty. Frequently with of or in beaucoup de (cf. de, prep. II.8).
    ton1770–
    
    (colloquial) A very large amount: cf. load, n. 6. Mostly in plural.
    boxload1795–
    
    As much as can be held in a box (cf. box, n.² I.3); (also more generally) a large quantity, a lot, a great deal; cf. boxful, n.
    boatload1807–
    
    A large amount, a great deal. by the boatload: in large amounts; in abundance. Cf. shedload, n.
    lot1811–
    
    With of-phrase as complement. In plural (lots of). Also reduplicated (lots and lots of).
    dollop1819–
    
    colloquial. A large, shapeless mass of something, esp. soft food.
    swag1819–
    
    A great quantity of something (now chiefly Australian and New Zealand); a large draught of liquor (dialect). (Cf. Sc. swack.)
    faggald1824–
    
    A large or excessive amount, quantity, or number (of). rare (Caithness in later use).
    screed1826–
    
    A large amount or number of. Now chiefly in plural.
    Niagara1828–
    
    Something regarded as resembling the Niagara River at the falls, or the Niagara Falls itself; spec. a deluge, a torrent; an outpouring of something.
    wad1828–
    
    A mass, heap, large quantity. Scottish and northern.
    drayload1829–
    
    Chiefly Australian. A large amount, a great deal. by the drayload: in large amounts; in abundance.
    lashings1829–
    
    plural (originally Anglo-Irish). ‘Floods’, abundance.
    butt1831
    
    figurative. A large amount of something. Cf. ton, n.¹ 4b. Obsolete. rare.
    slew1839–
    
    A very large number of, a great amount of. Also in plural.
    ocean1840–
    
    figurative. An immense or boundless expanse of something. Also (hyperbolically): a very great or indefinite quantity; (frequently in plural) lots of.
    any amount (of)1848–
    
    Chiefly colloquial. any amount (of): a large or considerable sum or quantity (of).
    rake1851–
    
    Chiefly Scottish and Irish English. A lot, a large amount.
    slather1857–
    
    U.S. colloquial. Usually plural. A large amount, lots, lashings.
    horde1860–
    
    A large amount, number, or quantity of a thing or things. Now often in plural: masses, loads.
    torrent1864–
    
    A mass of hanging foliage, drapery, etc. resembling in appearance a descending stream.
    sheaf1865–
    
    gen. Emphatically in plural: A large number, mass, or quantity.
    oodlesa1867–
    
    Large or unlimited quantities; a very great number or amount of something.
    dead load1869–
    
    (a) (See dead, adj. A.V.29); (b) plural (U.S. colloquial), great quantities.
    scad1869–
    
    Chiefly plural. A large amount; ‘heaps’.
    stack1870–
    
    figurative. A quantity, a ‘pile’, esp. (elliptical) a pile of money. Also in plural and as adverb. colloquial (originally U.S.).
    jorum1872–
    
    figurative. A large quantity.
    a heap sight1874–
    
    a heap sight (U.S. dialect and colloquial): see 4c and sight, n.¹ I.2.
    firlot1883–
    
    A certain measure used for other commodities; also, a great quantity.
    oodlings1886–
    
    = oodles, n.
    chunka1889–
    
    A large or substantial amount. colloquial.
    whips1888–
    
    plural. Abundance, ‘lots’. dialect, Australian, and New Zealand. (Cf. lashing, n.¹ b.)
    God's quantity1895–
    
    A large amount; an abundance.
    streetful1901–
    
    As much or as many as a street will hold.
    bag1917–
    
    Shooting. = Game-bag; hence, the contents of a game-bag, the quantity of fish or game however large (embracing e.g. elephants and buffaloes) killed…
    fid1920–
    
    A heap; plural ‘heaps’, ‘crowds’. Also as an exclamation = Great!
    fleetful1923–
    
    As many as would make a fleet; transferred a large number.
    mob1927–
    
    Australian colloquial. In plural. Great quantities, a large amount, masses (of something). Also as adv.: in a great degree, very much.
    bucketload1930–
    
    In singular and plural. A large quantity, a great deal. by the bucketload: in large quantities, in abundance.
    pisspot1944–
    
    Now chiefly coarse slang. Originally U.S. A large amount or quantity. Frequently in a pisspot full of.
    shitload1954–
    
    coarse slang (originally U.S.). A large amount or number. Usually with of. Cf. shedload, n.
    megaton1957–
    
    figurative.
    mob-o-ton1975–
    
    A large amount; a lot. Also as an intensifier.
    gazillion1978–
    
    A very large (but indefinite) number or quantity (of something); chiefly in plural.
    buttload1988–
    
    A large amount or number. Usually with of. Cf. shitload, n.
    shit ton1991–
    
    coarse slang. (Usually with of) a large amount or number of something; = shitload, n.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world relative properties number plurality great number, numerousness [nouns] greater number, majority
    moOld English–1630
    
    A greater number; more individuals of the kind specified or implied. Const. than. In early use, with partitive genitive plural; later, with of. Obs…
    unfewc1175–
    
    With the and plural agreement. The many, the majority; = many, pron. & n.B.II.7. rare.
    most?a1400–
    
    Usually with plural agreement. The greatest number. The greatest number of people or things; the majority. †Occasionally with the.
    most forcea1400–1600
    
    (Without article prefixed): A large quantity or number, plenty; const. of, which is omitted in quot. 1400 (cf. French force gens and the like). most…
    substancea1413–
    
    The greater number or part, the majority, mass, or bulk of (people, things, etc.). See also sum and substance at phrases P.3. Now rare.
    overmatch1542–
    
    Superiority in strength or numbers; an instance of this; a contest in which one side is superior to the other. Now rare.
    flush1592–
    
    A sudden plentiful increase or abundance of anything. Also, rarely, †the mass, great majority.
    the (great, vast) mass of1604–
    
    the (great, vast) mass of: the greater part or majority of.
    the millions1604–
    
    Elliptical uses. the millions (also the million): the bulk of the population; the multitude, the masses.
    stream1614–
    
    figurative. The prevailing direction of opinion or fashion. †Also, the majority, main body (of a class of persons).
    numbers1638–
    
    In plural. Numerical preponderance; the fact of being numerous. Frequently in force (also weight) of numbers.
    the multiplicity of1639
    
    the multiplicity of: the majority of. Obsolete. rare.
    majority1650–
    
    The greater number or part; a number which is more than half the total number, esp. of votes; spec. (in a deliberative assembly or electoral…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the world relative properties wholeness incompleteness part of whole [nouns] a great part or proportion the greater part, the majority
    the best part ofOld English–
    
    That is the largest or greatest; most. Chiefly in the best part of: almost all of, most of. Cf. better, adj. A.5.
    the more partOld English–1871
    
    As a comparative corresponding in sense to great. Modifying a noun which expresses quantity or amount, esp. as a proportion of a whole. In early…
    (the) more parta1350–
    
    (the) most part: (a) The greatest or greater part, the majority, most; †(b) (as adv.) mostly, mainly, on the whole (obsolete). †(the) most part all…
    (the) most parta1350–
    
    (the) most part: (a) The greatest or greater part, the majority, most; †(b) (as adv.) mostly, mainly, on the whole (obsolete). †(the) most part all…
    (the) most part alla1350–
    
    (the) most part: (a) The greatest or greater part, the majority, most; †(b) (as adv.) mostly, mainly, on the whole (obsolete). †(the) most part all…
    (the) most party1372–1603
    
    a (also in, of) party: partly; somewhat, a little. Also with modifying word, as in (also a) great party: to a great extent, for the most part. for…
    for (also be, in) the most part (also deal, party)a1387–
    
    for (also †be, in) the most part (also †deal, †party): usually, generally, in general, on the whole, in most cases; as regards the greater or…
    the better part ofa1393–
    
    Larger, greater. Chiefly in the better part of: almost all of, most of. Cf. best, adj. A.5.
    most forcea1400–1600
    
    (Without article prefixed): A large quantity or number, plenty; const. of, which is omitted in quot. 1400 (cf. French force gens and the like). most…
    the mo?a1400–1589
    
    A greater number; more individuals of the kind specified or implied. Const. than. the mo: the majority, the greater part. Obsolete.
    substancea1413–
    
    The greater number or part, the majority, mass, or bulk of (people, things, etc.). See also sum and substance at phrases P.3. Now rare.
    corsec1420–1511
    
    transferred. Of things: The ‘body’ or substance of a thing; the main bulk; also, a body or material substance.
    generalty?c1430–
    
    The main body, the greater part; the majority of. Usually with plural agreement in later use.
    the greater partc1430–
    
    With the. That constitutes more than half, larger, more considerable in number or quantity, that is in the majority, as the greater part, †the greater…
    three quartersc1470–
    
    Three of the four equal parts into which anything is or may be divided; loosely, the greater part of anything.
    generalityc1485–
    
    Usually with plural agreement. The greater part of a set of persons or things; the bulk, the majority.
    the most feck1488–
    
    With the: the bulk, the greater part; = effect, n. 3c; frequently in the most feck. Also: a (large) amount; number, quantity.
    corpse1533
    
    = body, n. II.8, IV.12a, IV.12b: Collective whole or mass; the substance, main portion, bulk, or sum; body (of law, science, etc.) corps of law = co…
    most1553–
    
    The greatest part of, the majority of (followed by a singular noun or pronoun). †Occasionally with the. Cf. sense A.I.4b.
    nine-tenths?1556–
    
    Nine parts out of ten; (more generally) almost all. Also written […]ths.
    better half1566–
    
    Usually with the. The larger portion of something; more than half. Cf. the better part of at better, adj. A.5.
    generality?1570–
    
    Usually with plural agreement. The greater part of a set or group of people; people in general or as a whole, the multitude. Now rare.
    pluralityc1570–
    
    Originally Scottish. More than half of the whole or of the total number (esp. in an election, referendum, etc.); = majority, n.¹ I.3a. In early…
    body1574–
    
    The main portion of a group or class, esp. of people; the majority; the larger part, the bulk of anything.
    the great body (of)1588
    
    With the. That constitutes more than half, larger, as the great body (of), the great part (of), etc. Cf. greater, adj. A.I.1b.
    flush1592–
    
    A sudden plentiful increase or abundance of anything. Also, rarely, †the mass, great majority.
    three fourths1600–
    
    Three out of four equal parts or portions into which a whole is or may be divided; three quarters. Often loosely or hyperbolically, the greater part…
    best1601–
    
    The greater part of a period of time; the most part. Cf. sense A.5.
    heap1609–1709
    
    Mass, main body. Obsolete.
    gross1625–1797
    
    The greater part; the majority, the bulk. Obsolete.
    lump1709
    
    Hence, allusively, the whole mass or quantity of anything. Also, the ‘mass’, ‘bulk’, great majority. Obsolete.
    bulk1711–
    
    Greater part, or, in relation to number, the majority; the main body. (Sc. bouk; cf. body, n. II.8.)
    majority1714
    
    The greater number or part; a number which is more than half the total number, esp. of votes; spec. (in a deliberative assembly or electoral…
    nineteen in twenty1730–
    
    nineteen in (also of, out of) twenty: the great majority.
    balance1747–
    
    The preponderating weight; the net result of estimating conflicting principles, forces, etc.
    sweighta1800
    
    figurative. (See quot. 1800.)
    heft1816–
    
    The bulk, mass, or main part. U.S. colloquial.
    chief1841–
    
    spec. The head man or ruler of an Indigenous community, clan, tribe, etc. big or great white chief: a jocular name (supposedly modelled on the…
    the force1842–
    
    a force: a large number or quantity, a great deal. the force: ? the majority. Obsolete exc. dialect.
    thick end1847–
    
    The greater part of anything (colloquial and dialect).
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.10.b.
    1723–
    
    a force: a large number or quantity, a great deal. the force: ? the majority. Obsolete exc. dialect.
    1723
    Her Maid with a force of crying..said her Master was dead.
    D. Defoe, History Col. Jack (ed. 2) 301
    1842
    The force of my acquaintance was among lawyers, judges, and politicians.
    C. Sumner, Letter 16 September in S. Longfellow, Life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1886) vol. I. 414
    1876
    ‘There was a foorce o' folks’, great numbers were present.
    F. K. Robinson, Glossary of Words Whitby
    the world relative properties wholeness incompleteness part of whole [nouns] a great part or proportion the greater part, the majority
    the best part ofOld English–
    
    That is the largest or greatest; most. Chiefly in the best part of: almost all of, most of. Cf. better, adj. A.5.
    the more partOld English–1871
    
    As a comparative corresponding in sense to great. Modifying a noun which expresses quantity or amount, esp. as a proportion of a whole. In early…
    (the) more parta1350–
    
    (the) most part: (a) The greatest or greater part, the majority, most; †(b) (as adv.) mostly, mainly, on the whole (obsolete). †(the) most part all…
    (the) most parta1350–
    
    (the) most part: (a) The greatest or greater part, the majority, most; †(b) (as adv.) mostly, mainly, on the whole (obsolete). †(the) most part all…
    (the) most part alla1350–
    
    (the) most part: (a) The greatest or greater part, the majority, most; †(b) (as adv.) mostly, mainly, on the whole (obsolete). †(the) most part all…
    (the) most party1372–1603
    
    a (also in, of) party: partly; somewhat, a little. Also with modifying word, as in (also a) great party: to a great extent, for the most part. for…
    for (also be, in) the most part (also deal, party)a1387–
    
    for (also †be, in) the most part (also †deal, †party): usually, generally, in general, on the whole, in most cases; as regards the greater or…
    the better part ofa1393–
    
    Larger, greater. Chiefly in the better part of: almost all of, most of. Cf. best, adj. A.5.
    most forcea1400–1600
    
    (Without article prefixed): A large quantity or number, plenty; const. of, which is omitted in quot. 1400 (cf. French force gens and the like). most…
    the mo?a1400–1589
    
    A greater number; more individuals of the kind specified or implied. Const. than. the mo: the majority, the greater part. Obsolete.
    substancea1413–
    
    The greater number or part, the majority, mass, or bulk of (people, things, etc.). See also sum and substance at phrases P.3. Now rare.
    corsec1420–1511
    
    transferred. Of things: The ‘body’ or substance of a thing; the main bulk; also, a body or material substance.
    generalty?c1430–
    
    The main body, the greater part; the majority of. Usually with plural agreement in later use.
    the greater partc1430–
    
    With the. That constitutes more than half, larger, more considerable in number or quantity, that is in the majority, as the greater part, †the greater…
    three quartersc1470–
    
    Three of the four equal parts into which anything is or may be divided; loosely, the greater part of anything.
    generalityc1485–
    
    Usually with plural agreement. The greater part of a set of persons or things; the bulk, the majority.
    the most feck1488–
    
    With the: the bulk, the greater part; = effect, n. 3c; frequently in the most feck. Also: a (large) amount; number, quantity.
    corpse1533
    
    = body, n. II.8, IV.12a, IV.12b: Collective whole or mass; the substance, main portion, bulk, or sum; body (of law, science, etc.) corps of law = co…
    most1553–
    
    The greatest part of, the majority of (followed by a singular noun or pronoun). †Occasionally with the. Cf. sense A.I.4b.
    nine-tenths?1556–
    
    Nine parts out of ten; (more generally) almost all. Also written […]ths.
    better half1566–
    
    Usually with the. The larger portion of something; more than half. Cf. the better part of at better, adj. A.5.
    generality?1570–
    
    Usually with plural agreement. The greater part of a set or group of people; people in general or as a whole, the multitude. Now rare.
    pluralityc1570–
    
    Originally Scottish. More than half of the whole or of the total number (esp. in an election, referendum, etc.); = majority, n.¹ I.3a. In early…
    body1574–
    
    The main portion of a group or class, esp. of people; the majority; the larger part, the bulk of anything.
    the great body (of)1588
    
    With the. That constitutes more than half, larger, as the great body (of), the great part (of), etc. Cf. greater, adj. A.I.1b.
    flush1592–
    
    A sudden plentiful increase or abundance of anything. Also, rarely, †the mass, great majority.
    three fourths1600–
    
    Three out of four equal parts or portions into which a whole is or may be divided; three quarters. Often loosely or hyperbolically, the greater part…
    best1601–
    
    The greater part of a period of time; the most part. Cf. sense A.5.
    heap1609–1709
    
    Mass, main body. Obsolete.
    gross1625–1797
    
    The greater part; the majority, the bulk. Obsolete.
    lump1709
    
    Hence, allusively, the whole mass or quantity of anything. Also, the ‘mass’, ‘bulk’, great majority. Obsolete.
    bulk1711–
    
    Greater part, or, in relation to number, the majority; the main body. (Sc. bouk; cf. body, n. II.8.)
    majority1714
    
    The greater number or part; a number which is more than half the total number, esp. of votes; spec. (in a deliberative assembly or electoral…
    nineteen in twenty1730–
    
    nineteen in (also of, out of) twenty: the great majority.
    balance1747–
    
    The preponderating weight; the net result of estimating conflicting principles, forces, etc.
    sweighta1800
    
    figurative. (See quot. 1800.)
    heft1816–
    
    The bulk, mass, or main part. U.S. colloquial.
    chief1841–
    
    spec. The head man or ruler of an Indigenous community, clan, tribe, etc. big or great white chief: a jocular name (supposedly modelled on the…
    the force1842–
    
    a force: a large number or quantity, a great deal. the force: ? the majority. Obsolete exc. dialect.
    thick end1847–
    
    The greater part of anything (colloquial and dialect).
    View in Historical Thesaurus
11. I.11.
  
  Physics, etc. Used in various senses developed from the older popular uses, and corresponding to modern scientific uses of Latin vis.
  1. I.11.a.
    1665–
    
    (=Newton's vis impressa: cf. sense I.5). An influence (measurable with regard to its intensity and determinable with regard to its direction) operating on a body so as to produce an alteration or tendency to alteration of its state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight line; the intensity of such an influence as a measurable quantity.
    Recent physicists mostly retain the word merely as the name for a measure of change of motion, not as denoting anything objectively existing as a cause.
    1665
    It willbe..better, the Force that moveth the Weight upwards perpendicularly,..being given, to seek the Force that moveth it along the Elevated Plane.
    T. Salusbury, translation of Galileo, Mech. in Math. Coll. & Transl. vol. II. 294
    1686
    In one of my papers writ (..above fifteen years ago) the proportion of ye forces of ye Planets from ye Sun reciprocally duplicate to their distances from him is exprest.
    I. Newton, Letter 20 June in Correspondence (1960) vol. II. 436
    1803
    Whatever changes, or tends to change, the state of rest or uniform rectilinear motion of a body, is called force.
    J. Wood, Principles of Mechanics (ed. 3) i. 15
    1866
    All the particles of matter exert an attractive force upon each other.
    Duke of Argyll, Reign of Law ii. 72
    1871
    The force of gravity..is somewhat greater in London than at Paris.
    B. Stewart, Heat (ed. 2) §21
    1876
    Unit force is..that force which, whatever be its source, produces unit momentum in unit of time.
    P. G. Tait, Lectures on Recent Advances in Physical Science (ed. 2) xiv. 352
    physics
    the world matter physics mechanics force [nouns]
    force1665–
    
    Physics, etc. Used in various senses developed from the older popular uses, and corresponding to modern… (=Newton's vis impressa: cf. sense I.5)…
    F1687–
    
    Physics. Denoting a force or its magnitude.
    power1696–
    
    Any form or source of energy or force available for application to work, or applied to produce motion, heat, or pressure; spec. (a) mechanical force…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. I.11.b.
    1841–
    
    (Cf. sense I.2). Formerly used for what Leibniz called vis viva, now known as kinetic energy, and often extended to include potential energy: see energy n. 6 conservation of force: see conservation n. 3.
    1841
    The high tide at Chepstow is accounted for on ‘the principle of the conservation of force’.
    Penny Cyclopaedia vol. XXI. 307/1
    1870
    Force cannot be created or destroyed by any of the processes of nature.
    W. S. Jevons, Elementary Lessons in Logic xxiv. 209
    dynamics
    the world matter physics mechanics dynamics [nouns] kinetics operative force of moving body
    living force1728–
    
    The operative force of a moving or acting body; = vis viva at vis, n.² 2c.
    vis viva1780–
    
    In special collocations with other Latin words. vis viva, the operative force of a moving or acting body, reckoned as equal to the mass of the body…
    force1841–
    
    Physics, etc. Used in various senses developed from the older popular uses, and corresponding to modern… (Cf. sense I.2). Formerly used for what…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  3. I.11.c.
    1846–
    
    The cause of any one of the classes of physical phenomena, e.g. of motion, heat, electricity, etc., conceived as consisting in principle or power inherent in, or coexisting with, matter; such principles or powers regarded generically.
    According to the now prevailing view that all physical changes are modes of motion, force in its generic sense comes to denote the one principle of which the separate forces are specific forms. But sense 11c is no longer recognized as belonging to the technical language of physics.
    [1732
    Force is that in Bodies which produceth Motion and other sensible Effects.
    G. Berkeley, Alciphron vol. II. vii. ix. 146]
    1846
    I therefore use the term Force..as meaning that active principle inseparable from matter, which induces its various changes.
    W. R. Grove, On Correlation of Physical Forces 8
    1846
    If Heat be a force capable of producing motion, and motion be capable of producing the other modes of force.
    W. R. Grove, On Correlation of Physical Forces 21
    1851
    A large number of phenomena..resulting from the agency of forces as distinct from those of Physics and Chemistry, as they are from each other..the forces from whose operation we assume them to result, are termed vital forces.
    W. B. Carpenter, Manual of Physiology (ed. 2) 10
    physics
    the world matter physics [nouns] specific concepts or principles of principle or power causing physical phenomena
    force1846–
    
    Physics, etc. Used in various senses developed from the older popular uses, and corresponding to modern… The cause of any one of the classes of…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  4. I.11.d.
    1785–
    
    transferred and figurative. An agency, influence, or source of power likened to a physical force.
    1785
    He was impelled by some secret force.
    C. Wilkins, translation of Bhăgvăt-Gēētā iii. 49
    1868
    The passion..whose existence as a force in the world..he recognises.
    J. T. Nettleship, Essays on Browning's Poetry i. 18
    1891
    The Nisi Prius advocate who has a fair knowledge of law is still a great force in the Profession.
    Law Times vol. 90 443/1
    physics
    society authority power influence [nouns] one who or that which influences
    planetc1500–
    
    figurative. In various uses relating to a planet as a source of light or power: a luminary; a source of influence; (Criminals' slang) a candle.
    influenciary1659
    
    One who or that which possesses or exercises influence.
    influencer1664–
    
    One who or that which influences.
    influence1736–
    
    A thing (or person) that exercises action or power of a non-material or unexpressed kind.
    force1785–
    
    Physics, etc. Used in various senses developed from the older popular uses, and corresponding to modern… transferred and figurative. An agency…
    field of force1876–
    
    figurative.
    spiritus rector1876–
    
    A ruling or guiding spirit; any person or thing regarded as a directing or influencing force. Cf. spirit, n. V.20.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
II.
Senses derived from force v.1
1. II.12.
  1596–1747
  
  † The plunger of a force-pump. Obsolete.
  1596
  You may with a force of twentie shillings, and a pype of eighteen pence the yard, force it from the lowest part of your house to the highest.
  J. Harington, Anatomie of Metamorphosed Aiax sig. Liiij
  1659
  This manner of force-Pump..the forces do Rise and Fall Perpendicularly in their Barrels.
  J. Leak, translation of I. de Caus, New Inventions of Water-works 34
  1747
  Force, a kind of Pump often used in the Mines, that throws the Water a good height..'tis now worn out of Use.
  W. Hooson, Miners Dictionary sig. I2
  society occupation and work equipment pump [nouns] plunger or piston
  box1531–
  
  The case or housing of a pump; a case enclosing the valve of a pump. Also: the piston of a simple reciprocating pump. Cf. earlier pump box, n.
  pump shoe1534–1747
  
  The piston of a pump.
  shoe1576–99
  
  Something resembling a shoe (sense 1 or 4) in shape, position, or function. The piston (of a pump). Obsolete. rare.
  force1596–1747
  
  The plunger of a force-pump. Obsolete.
  pestle1604–
  
  In various machines, esp. mills: (a part of) a mechanical device which pounds, stamps, presses, or grinds; a pounder or stamper. Formerly also…
  bucket1634–
  
  The piston of an ordinary lift-pump.
  forcer1634–
  
  An instrument or means for forcing. The plunger or piston of a force-pump.
  plug1642–1766
  
  In various technical contexts. The piston or plunger of a pump. Obsolete.
  syringe1659–
  
  A similar instrument used for various purposes, as exhausting or compressing air, squirting water over plants, etc.: see quots.
  pump bucket1827–
  
  = bucket, n.¹ 2.
  ram1875–85
  
  Any of various other tools or machines with a similar action, as (a) a steam hammer used in shaping a mass of puddled iron before rolling; (b) the…
  View in Historical Thesaurus
2. II.13.
  1879–
  
  The upper die in a metal-stamping machine.
  1879
  The final strokes are given by a ‘force’ cast in brass.
  Cassell's Technical Educator (new edition) vol. IV. 263/2
  1886
  The upper die was the cameo, technically the male die, punch or ‘force’.
  Journal of Franklin Institute vol. 122 327
  metal industry
  society occupation and work equipment metalworking equipment [nouns] stamping machine or press parts of
  stamp-hammer1837–
  
  The hammer of a stamping machine.
  stamping hammer1845–
  
  dog1874
  
  Engineering. A set screw in a punching-press (see quot. 1874). Obsolete. rare.
  force1879–
  
  The upper die in a metal-stamping machine.
  stamp-bed1879–
  
  The bed or bottom of a stamping machine upon which the lower die is placed.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
3. II.14.
  1862–
  
  Cards. An act of forcing.
  1862
  You may assume that he is strong in trumps, and you should take the force willingly.
  ‘Cavendish’, Principles of Whist (1879) 111
  1886
  The young player will naturally be startled by the instruction to lead trumps to an adversary who has just refused a force.
  Academy 10 April 251/2
  cards
  society leisure entertainment pastimes game card game [nouns] actions or tactics specific
  discarding1592–
  
  Cards. The rejection or throwing out of a card or cards from a hand.
  facing1635–74
  
  The action of turning (a card or cards) face upwards. See face, v. III.14a. Obsolete.
  pull1715–32
  
  In various technical and specialist senses. An act of drawing a card; (also) a card or group of cards drawn from the pack. Cf. pull, v. III.24. Obs…
  lead1742–
  
  Cards. The action or privilege of playing the first card in a round or trick. Also, the card so played, or proper to be played, or the suit to…
  return1742–
  
  Cards. The action or an act of returning a particular card or suit in response to a card played by a partner or opponent.
  discard1778
  
  Cards. The action or an act of rejecting or throwing out a card or cards from the hand. Cf. discard, v. 3.
  solo1814–
  
  In card-playing (see quots.).
  underplay1850–
  
  Cards. (See quot. 1863.)
  force1862–
  
  Cards. An act of forcing.
  convention1864–
  
  Whist and Bridge. An established or prearranged play which allows a player to convey information about their hand to a partner; esp. a bid or system…
  showdown1870–
  
  Cards (esp. Poker). The moment at the end of a game or round in which players lay down their cards face up in order to determine the winner.
  unblocking1885–
  
  false-carding1923–
  
  passed hand1924–
  
  That has been passed. Cards. passed hand n. a round of cards in which a player declines to make a bid (cf. pass, v. VI.31a).
  exit1934–
  
  Cards (esp. Bridge). A means of deliberately relinquishing the lead; (also) the action of doing this.
  reverse1936–
  
  Bridge. A rebid in a suit of a higher rank than that of one's previous bid. Cf. reverse, v.¹ 12.
  loser-on-loser1947–
  
  Bridge. (See quot. 1964).
  View in Historical Thesaurus
4. 1. II.15.a.
    1881–
    
    Billiards. A kind of stroke (see quot. 1881); a ‘screw-back’. U.S.
    1881
    Draw, or Force.—Striking the cue ball one-half or more below its centre, causing it, if played full at the object-ball, to recoil or return toward the player.
    H. W. Collender, Modern Billiards 23
    billiards, pool, and snooker U.S. English
    society leisure entertainment pastimes game billiards, pool, or snooker [nouns] actions or types of play type of stroke
    hazard1674–
    
    Billiards and Pool. A stroke by which one of the balls is driven into a pocket.
    carambole1775–
    
    The stroke otherwise called a cannon (cannon, n.¹ III.11).
    carom1779–
    
    A stroke in Billiards; = carambole, n. 2; now also called cannon, n.¹ III.11.
    cannon1802–
    
    Billiards, Snooker, etc. A stroke in which the cue ball is made to hit more than one ball successively. Cf. carambole, n. 2, carom, n.
    screw1825–
    
    Sport and Games. Billiards and Snooker. A stroke in which backspin is imparted to the cue ball by striking it below its centre, causing it to move…
    half-ball1830–
    
    (a) n. A stroke in which the cue ball makes contact with half of the object ball; (b) adv. so that the cue ball makes contact with half of the…
    sidestroke1834–
    
    Billiards. Usually as two words or with hyphen. The action or an act of striking one side of the cue ball so as to affect its course. Cf. side, n.¹…
    following stroke1837–
    
    A stroke which causes the cue ball (in billiards) or player's ball (in croquet) to roll on after the ball which it has set in motion.
    cannonade1844
    
    Billiards (humorous). Play, or a stroke, in which the cue ball is made to hit more than one ball successively. Cf. cannon, n.¹ III.11a. Obsolete. rare…
    five-stroke1847–
    
    A stroke by which five points are scored.
    follow1850–
    
    Billiards and Pool. A stroke in which topspin is imparted to the cue ball by striking it above its centre, causing it to roll on after the…
    scratch1850–
    
    In Billiards and related games. A lucky stroke, a fluke ? obsolete.
    fluke1857–
    
    In Billiards, A successful stroke made by accident or chance. Hence gen. a lucky stroke, an unexpected success; a piece of good luck, esp. in phrase…
    jenny1857–
    
    Billiards. Name of a particular stroke.
    bank shot1859–
    
    (a) Billiards, Snooker, and Pool a shot in which the cue or object ball is rebounded off a cushion, in order to alter its direction; (b) Basketball…
    angle shot1860–
    
    Billiards and Pool (chiefly U.S.). A shot which causes the cue ball to drive the object ball off at an angle.
    draw shot1860–
    
    Billiards and Pool. A shot in which the player puts backspin on the cue ball by striking it below the centre, causing it to move backwards from…
    six-stroke1861–
    
    A stroke in billiards counting six points.
    run-through1862–
    
    Billiards, Snooker, and Pool. A stroke which causes the cue ball to roll on after the object ball which it has set in motion.
    follow shot1866–
    
    A stroke in which topspin is imparted to the cue ball by striking it above its centre, causing it to roll on after the object ball which it has…
    spot1868–1908
    
    Billiards. A shot that pockets the red ball, esp. one that leaves the cue ball in a position to repeat the shot. Obsolete (see note at spot stroke, n.…
    quill1869–1901
    
    Billiards. In full quill-stroke: a losing hazard (losing hazard at hazard, n. A.5b) or stroke in which the object ball is struck indirectly (see…
    dead-stroke1873–
    
    See quot. 1873.
    loser1873–
    
    Billiards. A losing hazard.
    push1873–
    
    Sport. In hockey, cricket, etc.: a stroke in which the ball is pushed rather than hit; (Billiards and Snooker) a push shot.
    push stroke1873–
    
    (In billiards, golf, cricket, etc.) a stroke in which the ball is pushed rather than hit; cf. push shot, n., push, n.² I.2d.
    stab1873–
    
    Billiards. A short, stiff stroke which causes the striker's ball to remain dead or to travel but slowly after striking the object ball; more fully s…
    stab screw1873–
    
    Billiards. A short, stiff stroke which causes the striker's ball to remain dead or to travel but slowly after striking the object ball; more fully s…
    follow stroke1880–
    
    A stroke in which topspin is imparted to the cue ball by striking it above its centre, causing it to roll on after the object ball which it has set…
    draw1881–
    
    Billiards and Pool. Backspin imparted to a cue ball by striking it below the centre, causing it to move backwards after hitting an object ball. Also…
    force1881–
    
    Billiards. A kind of stroke (see quot. 1881); a ‘screw-back’. U.S.
    plant1884–
    
    Billiards, Snooker, and Pool. A shot whereby the cue ball strikes one of two touching or nearly touching balls, so that the other ball is potted…
    anchor cannon1893–
    
    Billiards (originally U.S.). In baulkline billiards: a cannon in which the two object balls, situated on either side of a baulkline, are struck…
    massé1901–
    
    A massé stroke.
    angle1902–
    
    Sport (also Billiards and Pool). = angle shot, n. 1.
    cradle-cannon1907–
    
    A series of cannons with the two object-balls close on either side of a corner-pocket.
    pot1907–
    
    Billiards, Snooker, and Pool. A shot intended to strike a ball into a pocket. Cf. pot, v.⁴ 7.
    jump shot1909–
    
    (a) Billiards etc., a shot which causes the ball to jump; (b) Basketball (see quot. 1961).
    carry-along1913–25
    
    Billiards. A shot used to score a cannon (cannon, n.¹ III.11a) in which the first object ball travels along with the cue ball towards the second…
    snooker1924–
    
    In this game: the placement of the balls in such a way that the object ball is blocked by another and cannot be struck directly by the cue ball; a…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. II.15.b.
    1662–
    
    Real Tennis. (See quot. 1890².)
    1662
    [see sense I.5d].
    1890
    The Force is the usual resource of a player who must try to win at very ‘close chase’, or who returns a ball which comes ‘fair-off’ from the end-wall.
    J. M. Heathcote et al., Tennis (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) 50
    1890
    Force, a stroke played, either direct or boasted, for the dedans with some strength.
    J. M. Heathcote et al. 124
    1927
    Some admirable tennis was seen, with good returns, short chases, and accurate forces.
    Daily Telegraph 26 April 17/1
    1955
    Dear went all out for winning openings, making a severe attack on the dedans—he scored with 11 forces during the two sets.
    Times 2 May 4/1
    real tennis
    society leisure sport types of sport or game ball game racket games real tennis [nouns] types of play or stroke
    chasec1440–
    
    Real Tennis. Applied to the second impact on the floor (or in a gallery) of a ball which the opponent has failed or declined to return; the value…
    loss1591–1649
    
    Real Tennis. A lost chase (see chase, n.¹ 7).
    volley1596–
    
    Real Tennis. The flight of a ball in play before it has touched the ground. Cf. fly, n.² I.2b.
    bandy1598–1655
    
    A stroke with a racket, a ball so struck; a ‘return’ at tennis. Obsolete.
    back-racket1608–38
    
    The return of a ball in tennis; figurative a counter-charge, ‘tu quoque’.
    service1611–
    
    In racket sports (esp. tennis), volleyball, and other games played over a net or against a wall: the action or an act of hitting the ball or…
    force1662–
    
    Real Tennis. (See quot. 1890.)
    serving1688–
    
    In a racket sport such as tennis or badminton, volleyball, or another game played over a net or against a wall: the action or process of hitting…
    Renshaw smash1881–
    
    = smash, n.¹ 1b.
    pass1888–
    
    Sport. In Real Tennis: a service which drops in the pass court. In Tennis: a shot which goes beyond the reach of an opponent's racket.
    railroad service1890–
    
    A type of overhead service in which the ball is hit hard in a relatively straight line along the penthouse, with spin causing it to bounce back…
    passing shot1903–
    
    A shot in which the ball is aimed beyond and wide of an opponent.
    kicker1936–
    
    Tennis colloquial. A serve characterized by heavy topspin; = kick serve, n. Also more fully kicker serve.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
III.
Phrases (see also senses I.1– I.10).
1. III.16.
  1411–
  
  by force of: by dint of, by virtue of; by means of. Also (later), by the force of. [< French à force de.]
  1411
  The forsaid Archebisshop, and Chamberleyn..by force of the submission that the said Robert in hem hath maad, haven ordeyned.
  Rolls of Parliament vol. III. 650/2
  a1500 (?c1450)
  Thei can knowe many thinges be force of clergie that we can no skyle on.
  Merlin ii. 27
  1512
  Fynes..levyed..by reason or force of the same Indentures.
  Act 4 Henry VIII c. 10
  1585
  The ankers being weied, by force of oares [French à force de rames] we went to the yle of If.
  T. Washington, translation of N. de Nicolay, Nauigations Turkie i. ii. 2
  1611
  Timotheus..came as though hee would take Iewrie by force of armes.
  Bible (King James) 2 Maccabees x. 24
  1633
  By cunning hand And force of fire, what curious things are made.
  G. Herbert, Priesthood in Temple iii
  1639
  Two hundred and fourty Gentlemen of note died by force of the infection.
  T. Fuller, Historie of Holy Warre iv. xii. 188
  1697
  Don Lewis was no sooner come to himself, by the force of Remidies.
  Countess D'Aunoy's Trav. (1706) 32
  1757
  It is not by the force of long attention and enquiry that we find any object to be beautiful.
  E. Burke, Philosophical Enquiry Sublime & Beautiful iii. §2. 74
  1879
  Being by force of genius no less than by virtue of office at the head of the noble profession to which he belongs.
  Daily Telegraph 17 June
  the world action or operation advantage usefulness use (made of things) instrumentality [phrases] by the instrumentality of
  in virtue ofa1250–
  
  in virtue of (also in the virtue of): = by virtue of at phrases P.1c.
  by (also with) strength of1340–
  
  by (also with) strength of, †by strength by: by virtue of, by means of, by force of (see force, n.¹ III.16).
  by the virtue ofa1375–
  
  by virtue of (also by the virtue of): (originally) by the power or efficacy of; by the authority of; (in later use usually) in consequence of…
  by way ofa1393–
  
  By means of; through the agency or medium of; with the aid of.
  by (also through) (the) means (also mean) ofa1398–
  
  By the agency or instrumentality of.
  by remedy ofa1398–1578
  
  by remedy of: by the help of, by means of. Obsolete.
  by force of1411–
  
  by force of: by dint of, by virtue of; by means of. Also (later), by the force of.
  by feat of1489–1805
  
  by feat of: by the agency of, by dint of. Obsolete exc. archaic.
  by (occasionally through) the benefit ofa1538–1709
  
  by (occasionally through) the benefit of: by or through the kindness or favour of; by the agency or help of, by means of (a person or thing). Obsolete…
  in the way of1622–1849
  
  By means of; through the agency or medium of; with the aid of. Cf. phrases P.2c.ii. Obsolete.
  by the way of1623
  
  By means of; through the agency or medium of; with the aid of.
  by (the) dint of1664–
  
  Hence by (the) dint of: by force of; by means of (with implication of vigour or persistence in the application of the means). (The current idiom.)
  by the force of1697
  
  by force of: by dint of, by virtue of; by means of. Also (later), by the force of.
  perforce of1714–
  
  perforce of: by force of, by dint of, by reason of.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  society armed hostility [adverbs] by force of arms
  with spear and shielda1300–1829
  
  under shield: in battle or combat. with spear and shield: in battle array; by force of arms. Obsolete.
  by dint of sworda1330–1728
  
  by dint of sword: by attack with weapons of war; by force of arms. Obsolete.
  by force of1611
  
  by force of: by dint of, by virtue of; by means of. Also (later), by the force of.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
2. III.17.
  
  in force:
  1. III.17.a.
    
    (See I.8c).
  2. III.17.b.
    c1315–
    
    Military. Of a host, enemy, etc.: (Collected) in great military strength and large numbers (cf. sense I.3). Also, in great force. [< French en force.]
    c1315
    Ryȝt develen for screawedhede Ever ine force scholle brede.
    Shoreham 156
    1793
    When the army of some sovereign enters into the enemy's country in great force.
    E. Burke, Remarks Policy Allies in Works (1823) vol. VII. 119
    1810
    As the enemy were in force behind the mountains.
    C. James, New Military Dictionary (ed. 3) at Force
    1835
    The Republicans were unable to drive back their opponents from the..heights, which they had occupied in force.
    A. Alison, History of Europe during French Revolution vol. IV. xxx. 257
    1885
    The enemy is reported to be in force at Metamneh.
    Times (Weekly edition) 23 January 3/2
    military
    society armed hostility military power [adverbs]
    with force1303–1548
    
    with force: with, or by the employment of, military strength or numbers. Cf. I.5b. Sometimes apparently = in force at sense III.17. Obsolete.
    in forcec1315–
    
    in force. Military. Of a host, enemy, etc.: (Collected) in great military strength and large numbers (cf. sense I.3). Also, in great force.
    stronglyc1400–
    
    By military force; with a strong military force.
    in great force1793
    
    in force. Military. Of a host, enemy, etc.: (Collected) in great military strength and large numbers (cf. sense I.3). Also, in great force.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  3. III.17.c.
    1849–
    
    Of persons (usually in great force): In full command of one's powers, energies, or abilities; esp. Displaying readiness and vivacity in conversation or oratory (colloquial).
    1849
    The young ladies..were in the greatest possible ‘force’, as Filagree termed it, and full of fun.
    R. G. A. Levinge, Cromwell Doolan vol. II. vi. 130
    1851
    Latterly Calvert was better..He was in force again.
    T. Carlyle, Life of John Sterling ii. vii. 212
    1857
    Sir Eliot Prichard, quite at his ease, and in high force.
    A. H. Elton, Below Surface vol. I. vi. 120
    1857
    M. Guizot is in great force, and full of political and literary gossip.
    Lord Houghton, Letter 27 August in T. W. Reid, Life Lord Houghton (1890) vol. II. xii. 18
    colloquial and slang
    the mind language speech loquacity or talkativeness [adjectives]
    wordyOld English–
    
    Full of or abounding in words. Of a person: using an excess of words; = verbose, adj. A.1. Also: garrulous, talkative.
    talewisec1200–1510
    
    Given to tales or talking; addicted to gossip; loquacious, garrulous, blabbing.
    i-worded?c1225
    
    Full of words, talkative, garrulous.
    babblinga1250–
    
    That talks rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way; chattering, prating, tattling; (also) full of or…
    cacklinga1250–
    
    That cackles.
    chatteringa1250–
    
    That chatters (in various senses of the verb).
    speakfula1250
    
    Talkative.
    word-wooda1250
    
    Wild or unrestrained in speech.
    of many wordsc1350–
    
    of many words: given to much speech, or to speaking at length (frequently in negative contexts: cf. of few words at phrases P.3a); †(of a statement…
    janglingc1374–
    
    That jangles, in various senses of the verb.
    tatteringc1380–
    
    tongueya1382–
    
    Full of ‘tongue’ or talk; talkative, loquacious (now U.S. and dialect); of hounds, ‘giving tongue’.
    ganglinga1398–
    
    That talks excessively or noisily, or makes a harsh discordant sound; = jangling, adj.
    readya1400–
    
    Of a person, a person's tongue, pen, etc.: quick and lively in speech, discourse, or writing; eloquent. Cf. sense A.I.3b.
    jargaunt1412–20
    
    ? Chattering.
    open-moutheda1470–1889
    
    Having the mouth open to speak; speaking freely, clamorous, vociferous. Obsolete.
    talkative?a1475–
    
    Fond of or given to talking; inclined to talk; chatty, loquacious; garrulous. In early use frequently with depreciative implication of boastfulness or lack of substantive achievement.
    clattering1477–
    
    Chattering, babbling. In modern Scottish, tattling.
    trattling?a1513–85
    
    That ‘trattles’; chattering, tattling, gossiping.
    windy1513–
    
    Of a speaker or writer: Full of talk or verbiage, talkative, loquacious, long-winded; violent or extravagant in utterance, ‘blustering’; bragging…
    popping1528–53
    
    Talking emptily; chattering. Obsolete.
    smatteringa1529
    
    Given to prating or talking. Obsolete. rare.
    rattle?1529
    
    Talkative, loquacious. Cf. rattling, adj. A.2.
    communicablea1533–
    
    Disposed or ready to communicate or converse; = communicative, adj. 7a. Now rare.
    blab1552–1605
    
    ? as adj. Incontinent of speech. Obsolete.
    gaggling1553–
    
    Of persons, their actions, and attributes: Garrulous, chattering.
    long-tongued?1553–
    
    Talkative, loquacious, esp. excessively so; prone to speaking out of turn or revealing secrets. Cf. long tongue, n. 1.
    prittle-prattle1556–1774
    
    Chattering, talkative; gossipy; characterized by prittle-prattle. Obsolete.
    pattering1558–
    
    That patters or speaks rapidly or as if by rote.
    bobling1566
    
    gabbling1566–
    
    That gabbles (see gabble, v.); (of a language, sound, etc.) unintelligible; jabbering; babbling.
    verbal1572–
    
    Using many words; given to expressing oneself in words, esp. fluently or at length; characterized by fluent or lengthy self-expression. Now: spec.…
    piet1573–
    
    Chattering, talkative, gossipy; (of words or speech) glib.
    twattling1573–
    
    That ‘twattles’; chattering, babbling, prating. (Said of the person, or of the talk.)
    flibber gibber1575
    
    ? Glib-tongued.
    babblative1576–
    
    Given to babbling; loquacious, prattling. Also: characterized by an excess of talk; verbose, bombastic. Now somewhat archaic.
    tickle-tongued1577
    
    Loose of tongue, talkative, garrulous.
    tattling1581–
    
    That tattles; chattering; gossiping; tale-telling.
    talking1586–
    
    Fond of or given to talking; talkative, loquacious.
    buzzing1587–
    
    Whispering, muttering; busily talking, full of busy talk.
    long-winded1589–
    
    Of a person: given to tedious or unnecessary lengthiness in speech or writing. Of speech or writing: tediously long, prolix.
    multiloquous1591–1770
    
    Highly talkative or loquacious.
    discoursive1599–
    
    Disposed or ready to discourse or converse; talkative; communicative; (sometimes also) verbose, prolix.
    rattling1600–
    
    Of speech, manner, etc.: chattering, prattling, voluble; lively, noisy.
    glib1602–
    
    Of a speaker or writer, of the tongue, etc.: ‘Well-oiled’, ready and fluent in utterance. Of language: Characterized by fluency and readiness…
    flippant1605–1794
    
    Of the tongue: ‘Nimble’, voluble. Hence of persons: Ready in the use of words, speaking freely, fluent, talkative, voluble. Of conversation or…
    nimble-tongued1608–
    
    tongue-ripe1610–27
    
    Garrulous, loquacious, voluble, glib (of a person or his or her utterance).
    fliperous1611
    
    garrulous?1611–
    
    Given to much talking; fond of indulging in talk or chatter; loquacious, talkative.
    futile1612–25
    
    Unable to hold one's tongue, addicted to talking, loquacious. Obsolete. Cf. futility, n. 3.
    liberal-talking1612–
    
    †(a) That talks excessively or unrestrainedly (obsolete); (b) expressing liberal opinions; advocating liberalism.
    overspeaking1612–
    
    Verbose; over-elaborate in speech.
    light-tongued1615–
    
    That talks readily or (in later use) fluently; talkative.
    feather-tongueda1618–
    
    Of a person: Light-tongued; talkative.
    tongue-free1617–
    
    long-breatheda1628
    
    Capable of continuing in action for a long time without becoming out of breath; (hence) healthy, fit, robust. Also: prolix, tediously lengthy. Cf. l…
    well-breathed1635–1831
    
    Able to speak or recite for a long time without tiring. Obsolete.
    multiloquious1640–52
    
    = multiloquous, adj.
    untongue-tied1640–
    
    (un-, prefix¹ affix 2d.)
    unretentive1650–
    
    Not retentive (in various senses).
    communicative1651–
    
    Ready to impart information, opinions, etc.; free in conversation, open, frank; talkative. Also with of. (Now the most common sense.)
    linguacious1651–
    
    Talkative, loquacious. Now rare.
    glibbed1654–
    
    largiloquent1656–
    
    Given to talking; loquacious; (of speech) grandiloquent.
    multiloquent1656–
    
    Highly talkative or loquacious; prolix.
    parlagea1657
    
    Perhaps: = parlous, adj. A.1.
    loose-clacked1661
    
    Loquacious, chattering.
    nimble-chop1662
    
    Of a person: talkative.
    twit-twat1665–77
    
    Characterized by, or of the nature of, frivolous or nonsensical talk. Cf. twittle-twattle, adj.
    over-talkativea1667–
    
    Inclined to talk too much.
    loquacious1667–
    
    Given to much talking; talkative.
    loudmouth1668–
    
    Loud-mouthed; noisy.
    conversable1673–
    
    That may be conversed with. Able or disposed to converse, fond of talking.
    gash1681–
    
    Talkative, loquacious. Cf. gash, n.², gash, v.² Now rare.
    narrative1681–1882
    
    Given to narration; garrulous, talkative. Also (in extended use): eloquent of. Obsolete.
    chappy1693
    
    Given to using the chaps; talkative.
    apposite1701–88
    
    Of persons: Ready with appropriate remarks, apt. Obsolete.
    conversative1703–
    
    Ready to converse or talk, given to conversation, talkative.
    gabbit1710–
    
    Talkative, loquacious; (also) impudent or insolent in speech. Now rare.
    lubricous1715
    
    figurative. Voluble, glib. Obsolete. rare.
    gabby?1719–
    
    Fond of talking; chatty; talkative; (also) fluent in speech. In later use sometimes: annoyingly or excessively talkative; garrulous. Formerly also of…
    ventose1721–
    
    Windy, flatulent.
    taleful1726–
    
    Full of tales; making a long story; talkative.
    chatty?1741–
    
    Given to chat or light easy talk.
    blethering1759–
    
    Volubly and foolishly talkative.
    renable1781
    
    Of a person: eloquent; speaking fluently and clearly; (later also) loquacious. In early use frequently in †renable of tongue. Obsolete (English reg…
    fetch-fire1784
    
    The verb-stem in combination with adverbs, as fetch-after n. see quot. 1888; with n. as object. fetch-fire n. Obsolete attributive. fetch-water n.…
    conversational1799–
    
    Of persons: Ready to converse; addicted to conversation; gifted with powers of conversation.
    conversant1803–
    
    Having the quality of conversing, ready to converse; conversable. rare.
    gashing1808–
    
    That talks volubly; prattling. Cf. gash, v.²
    long-lunged1815–
    
    (a) (Tediously) verbose (cf. long-winded, adj. 2a); (b) possessing or characteristic of powerful lungs (cf. long-winded, adj. 1).
    talky1815–
    
    Fond of or given to talking; inclined to talk; characterized by talk; talkative.
    multi-loquacious1819
    
    = multiloquent, adj.
    prolegomenous1822–
    
    Of the nature of a prolegomenon or prolegomena; introductory; having the function of a preface, or a preliminary work.
    talkful1825–
    
    Talkative, garrulous. colloquial or nonstandard in later use.
    talky-talky1831–
    
    depreciative. Given to or characterized by small talk; garrulous, chattering, prattling. Now rare.
    nimble-mouthed1836–48
    
    slipper1842–
    
    dialect. Fluent, voluble; given to talk.
    speechful1842–
    
    Full of speech; possessing the power of speech; loquacious, talkative.
    gassy1843–
    
    colloquial. Characterized by ‘gas’ (gas, n.¹ A.II.5); given to idle talk; excessively verbose.
    in great force1849–
    
    in force. Of persons (usually in great force): In full command of one's powers, energies, or abilities; esp. Displaying readiness and vivacity in…
    yattering1859–
    
    babbly1860–
    
    Full of or characterized by babble; of the nature of babble; (also) given to babbling.
    irreticent1864–
    
    Not reticent; wanting in reticence.
    chattable1867–
    
    Ready to chat or to be chatted with.
    lubrical1867–
    
    =prec. in various senses; also, voluble.
    chattery1869–
    
    Characterized by chattering.
    loose-mouthed1872–
    
    = loose-lipped, adj.
    chinny1883–
    
    Talkative. Cf. chin-music, n. U.S.
    tongue-wagging1885–
    
    yappy1909–
    
    Given to yapping.
    big-mouthed1914–
    
    Having a big mouth; (frequently figurative) loud, vociferous; (now) esp. loquacious, indiscreet, or boastful (cf. big mouth, n.).
    loose-lipped1919–
    
    (a) Loose-tongued; uninhibited in speech; (b) having full lips.
    ear-bashing1945–
    
    That talks incessantly.
    ear-bending1946–
    
    Given to speaking at length, esp. in a boring or insistent manner; (also) expressed vociferously or at length.
    yackety-yacking1953–
    
    nattering1959–
    
    Chattering; grumbling, complaining.
    yacking1959–
    
    woofy1960–
    
    ? Talkative.
    talkaholic1976–
    
    That is addicted to talk, esp. that talks excessively.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
3. III.18.
  1597–1677
  
  † of force: with infinitive, strong or powerful enough, able to do something. Cf. I.1b, I.3b, I.7c, I.8b.
  1597
  Lyons Turnep is of force to digest.
  J. Gerard, Herball ii. 182
  1613
  After his death, the inhabitants were of force to expell the strangers.
  J. Hayward, Liues III. Normans 90
  1632
  I did not beleeve there had beene any power..of force to make me [etc.].
  R. Le Grys, translation of Velleius Paterculus, Romane History Epistle Ded. sig. A 3^v
  1677
  Young Hares are neither of force nor capacity to use such subtleties.
  N. Cox, Gentleman's Recreation (ed. 2) i. 95
  the world action or operation ability [phrases] able, capable, or competent
  in powerc1325–
  
  in power (a) In a position of authority, in government; †(b) Scottish able, competent (to do something) (obsolete); †(c) in potentiality, in posse…
  of powerc1390–1637
  
  of power: able, capable, competent. Obsolete.
  of force1597–1677
  
  of force: with infinitive, strong or powerful enough, able to do something. Cf. I.1b, I.3b, I.7c, I.8b.
  to be in capacity1649–1804
  
  Hence to be in, put into or out of a capacity: i.e. a position which enables, or renders capable. Obsolete.
  in estate1651
  
  in estate: in a position, able (to do something). Obsolete. rare.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
4. III.19.
  †
  1. III.19.a.
    c1400–1703
    
    of (or on) force: of necessity, on compulsion, whether one will or no, unavoidably, necessarily, perforce. (Cf. perforce v., †afforce v.) Also, of fine force (see fine adj. A.I.1a), of very force. Obsolete.
    c1400
    In wele and wo Of force togidre they must go.
    Romaunt of Rose 1796
    ?1507
    On forse I man his nyxt pray be.
    W. Dunbar, Poems (1998) vol. I. 97
    1587
    There laye he close in wayte within the cops, whereas Full well he wist that Guardastan of very force must passe.
    G. Turberville, Tragicall Tales f. 66
    1605
    Their inquiries must of force haue beene of a farre other kinde then they are.
    F. Bacon, Of Aduancement of Learning ii. sig. Ff1
    a1641
    Since you must hire one on force, as good him as another.
    T. Heywood & W. Rowley, Fortune by Land & Sea ii, in Works (1874) vol. VI. 381
    1703
    You must of Force delay it.
    N. Rowe, Ulysses iv. i. 1477
    the mind will necessity [adverbs]
    needOld English–
    
    Of necessity, necessarily, unavoidably; = needs, adv. With must or (chiefly in Old English and Middle English) mote or shall. Cf. needs, adv. II
    needsOld English–1870
    
    Intensifying any element within a clause. Obsolete (rare after 15th cent.).
    of (also for, on) needOld English–1600
    
    of (also for, on) need: of or by necessity; unavoidably, compulsorily. Also with quantifier. Cf. need, adv. Obsolete.
    needlingc1225–1500
    
    Necessarily; of necessity.
    needs cost?a1300–1535
    
    Necessarily, of necessity.
    needlingsc1300–
    
    Necessarily; of necessity.
    needlya1350–
    
    Necessarily; of necessity; under constraint or obligation; = needs, adv.
    of necessityc1390–
    
    Necessarily; inevitably, unavoidably.
    needfullya1398–
    
    Necessarily; upon compulsion or constraint; appropriately, opportunely; urgently, pressingly.
    necessarily?a1400–
    
    In a manner determined by circumstances; by force of necessity; unavoidably, compulsorily.
    needgatesa1400
    
    Necessarily.
    needingsa1400–75
    
    Of necessity, necessarily.
    needwaysa1400–1580
    
    As a matter of necessity; necessarily, inevitably.
    needslyc1425–1656
    
    Necessarily, of necessity. Usually with must.
    perforcec1425–
    
    In weakened use: by constraint of circumstances; of necessity, inevitably, unavoidably; as a matter of course.
    needilyc1475–1587
    
    Necessarily; of necessity. Obsolete.
    needwayc1480–87
    
    = needways, adv.
    of (or on) force?1507
    
    of (or on) force: of necessity, on compulsion, whether one will or no, unavoidably, necessarily, perforce. (Cf. perforce, v., †afforce, v.) Also, of…
    need-forcea1525–90
    
    Perforce; of necessity.
    requisitely1565–
    
    Necessarily, as is expected or obligatory; appropriately.
    of very force1587
    
    of (or on) force: of necessity, on compulsion, whether one will or no, unavoidably, necessarily, perforce. (Cf. perforce, v., †afforce, v.) Also, of…
    necessitously1637–
    
    necessitively1647
    
    By or of necessity.
    par force1819–
    
    Compulsorily, of necessity. Cf. perforce, adv.
    imperatively1833–
    
    As an urgent requirement or necessity; vitally, crucially. Also: as unavoidably determined by circumstances; inevitably, necessarily.
    necessitatedly1864–
    
    In a necessitated manner; necessarily.
    of perforce1897
    
    Necessity, compulsion. by or in perforce: by force, violence, or compulsion; of perforce: of necessity. Obsolete.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. III.19.b.
    1483–1802
    
    † it is (of) force: it is necessary or inevitable. Const. that.., or (for a person) to do. Obsolete.
    1483
    It was force that he shold retourne into the worlde.
    W. Caxton, translation of Caton F iv
    1535
    For euirilk falt quhilk force is to fulfill.
    W. Stewart, translation of H. Boethius, Buik of Croniclis of Scotland (1858) vol. II. 566
    1563
    Gif we sal begin to mixt noueltie with antiquitie..force it is that this maner spring vp vniuersalie.
    N. Winȝet, Certain Tractates (1888) vol. I. 60
    c1565
    It was force for the said Sir Patrick Hamilton to light on Foot.
    R. Lindsay, Hist. & Cron. Scotl. 104
    1802
    Is it of force you must render yourself contemptible?
    H. Martin, Helen of Glenross vol. III. 272
    the mind will necessity [intransitive verbs] must of necessity must inevitably be an inevitable consequence
    willa1387–
    
    Expressing a definite or necessary consequence without future reference: must necessarily or invariably.
    it is (of) force1483–1802
    
    it is (of) force: it is necessary or inevitable. Const. that.., or (for a person) to do. Obsolete.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
5. III.20.
  †
  1. III.20.a.
    c1369–1669
    
    it is force: it is of consequence or importance; usually neg. it is no force (also, it maketh no force), it does not matter. So (without verb) what force?, no force = ‘what matter?’, ‘no matter’. Const. though.., if.., whether.., or relative clause; also absol. and parenthetic. [So in Old French] Obsolete.
    c1369
    ‘A! goode sir, no fors’ quod I.
    G. Chaucer, Book of Duchesse 522
    c1386
    It is no fors how longe that we pleye.
    G. Chaucer, Merchant's Tale 591
    a1400 (a1325)
    Of hir nam es na force to tell.
    Cursor Mundi (Vespasian MS.) l. 13044
    a1400 (a1325)
    I shal ȝou telle for hit is fors where þenne bicome hir cors.
    Cursor Mundi (Trinity Cambridge MS.) l. 20683
    a1400–50
    Þofe þou haue forfet, na force, so has fele othire.
    Alexander 471
    a1450
    He is but a tromper and a iaper, no fors, late us sende for hym.
    Knight de la Tour (1868) 33
    a1513
    What force thougth sathan..Do hym rewarde.
    R. Fabyan, New Cronycles of Englande & Fraunce (1516) vol. II. f. clxxiii^v
    1530
    Trino or terno, no force whether.
    Myroure of Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) iii. 325
    1540
    ‘Well’, quoth he, ‘it is no force’.
    Sir R. Sadler in St. Papers (1809) vol. I. 25
    1551
    Parte that arche line into two partes, equall other vnequall, it maketh no force.
    R. Recorde, Pathway to Knowledg i. xxvi
    1581
    Imbrace the good, as for the rest, no force how they thee take.
    T. Howell, His Deuises sig. F.iij^v
    1612
    She neuer yet so much as smiled on me; No force, sith I my selfe the better know.
    J. Davies, Muses Sacrifice sig. V8^v
    1669
    They are Dutch Colours: no force, the worst of Enemies.
    S. Sturmy, Mariners Magazine i. 19
    the mind attention and judgement importance unimportance [intransitive verbs] be unimportant
    it is no forcec1369–1669
    
    it is force: it is of consequence or importance; usually neg. it is no force (also, it maketh no force), it does not matter. So (without verb) what f…
    to be not (nought) to charge138.–1493
    
    To attach weight or importance to; to care for, regard, reck. With negative, To make no account of, set… to be not (nought) to charge: to be of no…
    to make no mattera1466–
    
    transitive. To amount to, count as, avail, signify (much, little, nothing, etc.) in relation to the question under consideration. Now frequently in t…
    it maketh no force1551
    
    it is force: it is of consequence or importance; usually neg. it is no force (also, it maketh no force), it does not matter. So (without verb) what f…
    to make nothing1551–1727
    
    transitive. to make nothing: not to pertain or be of consequence to, not to tell for or against (a person or thing). Obsolete.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
    the mind attention and judgement importance unimportance [phrases] be of no importance
    forcec1330–1578
    
    Const. of or for (a thing) = it does not matter about, no need to care for. Obsolete.
    no wardc1330–1400
    
    Care, regard. In phrases, to have no ward of, not to regard, not to fear; no ward, no matter (if, how). Obsolete.
    no strength1340
    
    no strength: no matter (= no force at force, n.¹ III.20a). Obsolete.
    no forcec1369–1669
    
    it is force: it is of consequence or importance; usually neg. it is no force (also, it maketh no force), it does not matter. So (without verb) what f…
    no mattera1466–
    
    it makes (also is, †skills) no matter: it is of no consequence or importance; often with subordinate clause and now usually with ellipsis of the…
    what force?a1513
    
    it is force: it is of consequence or importance; usually neg. it is no force (also, it maketh no force), it does not matter. So (without verb) what f…
    no skill1575
    
    no skill, it matters not. Obsolete. rare.
    what matter?1678
    
    it makes (also is, †skills) no matter: it is of no consequence or importance; often with subordinate clause and now usually with ellipsis of the…
    the game (play, etc.) is not worth the candlea1699–
    
    the game (play, etc.) is not worth the candle: i.e. not worth the mere cost of supplying the necessary light (cf. 1550 at phrases P.3); not worth…
    nix my dolly1795–1879
    
    nix my dolly (also nix my doll): (a) Nothing; (b) (perhaps) ‘never mind!’ Obsolete.
    what the hell1872–
    
    what the hell: ‘it doesn't matter’, ‘who cares’; ‘so what?’ Cf. what-the-hell, adj.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. III.20.b.
    c1330–1578
    
    † Const. of or for (a thing) = it does not matter about, no need to care for. Obsolete.
    c1330
    Of his body was no force, non for him wild murne.
    R. Mannyng, Chronicle (1810) 20
    c1374
    But were she sauf, hit were no fors of me.
    G. Chaucer, Compl. Mars 197
    1486
    Bot therof it is no force iff she be hole.
    Boke St. Albans C j a
    1529
    It was of lyklyhode the same night, or some other time sone after..No force for the time quod he.
    T. More, Dialogue Heresyes i, in Wks. 131/2
    1578
    No force for that, each shyft for one.
    G. Whetstone, Promos & Cassandra: 1st Part ii. iv. sig. Cj^v
    the mind attention and judgement importance unimportance [phrases] be of no importance
    forcec1330–1578
    
    Const. of or for (a thing) = it does not matter about, no need to care for. Obsolete.
    no wardc1330–1400
    
    Care, regard. In phrases, to have no ward of, not to regard, not to fear; no ward, no matter (if, how). Obsolete.
    no strength1340
    
    no strength: no matter (= no force at force, n.¹ III.20a). Obsolete.
    no forcec1369–1669
    
    it is force: it is of consequence or importance; usually neg. it is no force (also, it maketh no force), it does not matter. So (without verb) what f…
    no mattera1466–
    
    it makes (also is, †skills) no matter: it is of no consequence or importance; often with subordinate clause and now usually with ellipsis of the…
    what force?a1513
    
    it is force: it is of consequence or importance; usually neg. it is no force (also, it maketh no force), it does not matter. So (without verb) what f…
    no skill1575
    
    no skill, it matters not. Obsolete. rare.
    what matter?1678
    
    it makes (also is, †skills) no matter: it is of no consequence or importance; often with subordinate clause and now usually with ellipsis of the…
    the game (play, etc.) is not worth the candlea1699–
    
    the game (play, etc.) is not worth the candle: i.e. not worth the mere cost of supplying the necessary light (cf. 1550 at phrases P.3); not worth…
    nix my dolly1795–1879
    
    nix my dolly (also nix my doll): (a) Nothing; (b) (perhaps) ‘never mind!’ Obsolete.
    what the hell1872–
    
    what the hell: ‘it doesn't matter’, ‘who cares’; ‘so what?’ Cf. what-the-hell, adj.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
6. III.21.
  1303–1664
  
  † to make (do, give, take, have, let, kythe, set) force: to make account (of), attach importance (to), give heed (to), care (for). Const. of (rarely for, at, by, in); also with infinitive or subordinate clause, and absol. Obsolete.
  1303
  Lytel fors of hym þou ȝyues.
  R. Mannyng, Handlyng Synne 10286
  c1325
  Elles forze wald he nan mak Quether his clething war quit or blac.
  Metrical Homilies 43
  c1369
  ‘I do no fors therof’ quod he.
  G. Chaucer, Book of Duchesse 542
  a1375 (c1350)
  Of here fon no fors þei ne leten.
  William of Palerne (1867) l. 3651
  ?c1450
  Monkes hors to gest he had na fors In a hyrne of his Innes.
  Life of St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 5392
  c1460 (a1449)
  Som yeue no fors for to be forsworn.
  J. Lydgate, Minor Poems (1934) ii. 768
  1470–85
  I take no force though I haue bothe their hedes.
  T. Malory, Morte d'Arthur ii. iii. 79
  1483
  Kynge Edwardes sone set by the Scottes no force.
  Cron. Englande (1510) R j a
  1509
  Thou ought to be asshamyd To set so great fors for syluer or for golde.
  A. Barclay, Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. lxxi
  1523
  Sir Hugh Caurell made no force at his wordes.
  Lord Berners, translation of J. Froissart, Chron. (1812) vol. I. 770
  1523
  With the whiche the prince was sore displeased, and set lesse force in y^e men of the churche, in whom before he hadde great trust.
  Lord Berners, translation of J. Froissart, Chron. (1812) vol. I. 419
  1581
  I make no force whether any medicine be applied.
  J. Bell, translation of W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 512 b
  1664
  And of their lives took little force.
  Floddan Field iii. 26
  the mind attention and judgement importance [intransitive verbs] attach importance to
  reckOld English–
  
  intransitive. To care for; (formerly also) †to set store or account by (obsolete).
  to make (do, give, take, have, let, kythe, set) force1303–1664
  
  to make (do, give, take, have, let, kythe, set) force: to make account (of), attach importance (to), give heed (to), care (for). Const. of (rarely for…
  to think (it) much1548–1881
  
  With complement. transitive. to think (it) much: (a) To be reluctant or shy, hesitate to do something, to have an objection (also with of); (b) to…
  reckon1576–
  
  intransitive. To approve or think highly of. Chiefly English regional in later use.
  to stand on ——1613–16
  
  intransitive. To attach importance to, treat as important, give prominence or weight to; to value, set store by. Cf. to stand upon —— 6c at phrasal…
  View in Historical Thesaurus
7. III.22.
  †
  1. III.22.a.
    1575–1677
    
    Hunting. to hunt (etc.) at force (also of or by force): to run (the game) down with dogs; to hunt in the open with the hounds in full cry. Obsolete.
    [Compare Old French courir les cerfs a force (15th cent. in Littré); French par force remains in German parforcejagd, the ordinary term for a formal ‘hunt’ in the English sense.]
    1575
    In hunting the Raynedeare at force.
    G. Gascoigne, Noble Arte of Venerie i. 3
    ?1578
    Too ryde foorth intoo the Chase too hunt the Hart of fors.
    W. Patten, Letter Entertainment at Killingwoorth 17
    a1637
    Rob. And hunted yee at force? Mar. In a full cry.
    B. Jonson, Sad Shepherd i. vi. 22 in Workes (1640) vol. III
    1674
    If..you should run him at force out of a Toil.
    N. Cox, Gentleman's Recreation i. 12
    1677
    The King of Poland makes use of them in his hunting of great Beasts by force.
    N. Cox, Gentleman's Recreation (ed. 2) i. 55
    hunting
    the world food and drink hunting hunting with hounds [intransitive verbs] hunt with hounds
    to hunt (etc.) at force (also of or by force)1575–1677
    
    Hunting. to hunt (etc.) at force (also of or by force): to run (the game) down with dogs; to hunt in the open with the hounds in full cry. Obsolete.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. III.22.b.
    1607–77
    
    † to make force at, to, upon: to rush violently at, attack, assail. Obsolete.
    1607
    [A dog] made force vpon him and the Lyon likewise at the Dogge.
    E. Topsell, Historie of Foure-footed Beastes 145
    1607
    Vpon signes giuen them, to which of the stragling beastes they ought to make force.
    E. Topsell, Historie of Foure-footed Beastes 158
    1612
    The dog..instantly made force at him..as a man would doe at his mortall enemie.
    T. Beard, Theatre Gods Judgements (ed. 2) 297
    1677
    Their manner is..,to make force at him with their Horns.
    N. Cox, Gentleman's Recreation (ed. 2) i. 62
    military
    society armed hostility attack [transitive verbs] attack
    greetOld English–1440
    
    To assail, attack. Obsolete. (After 15th cent. probably only as a transferred or ironical use of sense 3.)
    overfallOld English–
    
    transitive. To attack, assail, fall upon.
    riseOld English–
    
    intransitive. To make an attack on a person; to take hostile action against a person. With †against, †in, †on, upon. Now rare.
    assail?c1225–
    
    transitive. To attack with physical violence; to assault.
    to lay on or upon?c1225–
    
    absol. and intransitive. To deal blows; to make an attack. Chiefly in phraseological expressions with… to lay on or upon: to attack vigorously, to…
    onseekc1275–1425
    
    transitive. To attack, set upon.
    to set on ——c1290–
    
    = to set upon —— at phrasal verbs PV.1.
    infighta1300
    
    transitive. To fight against, attack, assail. Obsolete. rare.
    saila1300–1535
    
    transitive. = assail, v.¹ in various senses.
    to go upon ——c1300–1686
    
    intransitive. To attack, make an attack on. Obsolete.
    to turn one's handc1325–
    
    To make an attack; to bring about hardship. Chiefly followed by against, upon. Cf. sense IV.26a. Now archaic and rare.
    lashc1330
    
    transitive. To assail, attack.
    annoyc1380–
    
    transitive. To attack, set upon, or oppress (an enemy); (in later use) spec. to launch repeated or persistent attacks against (an enemy…
    oppressa1382–1648
    
    transitive. To attack, make war against; to persecute. Occasionally of a disaster or misfortune: to afflict. Obsolete.
    impugnc1384–1651
    
    transitive. To fight against: to attack, assail, assault (a person, city, etc.). Obsolete.
    offendc1385–1741
    
    transitive. To attack (a person); to assault, assail. Also in extended use. Obsolete.
    to fall on ——a1387–
    
    intransitive. To make a physical attack on, esp. fiercely or unexpectedly; to accost, assail, assault. Also: to attack with hostile words, action…
    sault1387–1560
    
    transitive. = assault, v. in various senses.
    affrayc1390–1640
    
    transitive. To attack, assault. Obsolete.
    to set upon ——1390–
    
    To attack, assail, fall violently upon.
    to fall upon ——a1398–
    
    intransitive. To make a physical attack on, esp. fiercely or unexpectedly; to accost, assail, assault; (also) to attack with hostile words…
    semblea1400–50
    
    transitive. To assail, attack; = assemble, v.¹ 7.
    to lay at?a1400–
    
    absol. and intransitive. To deal blows; to make an attack. Chiefly in phraseological expressions with… to lay at: to aim blows or an attack at; to…
    assayc1400–1676
    
    To try the mettle of (a person) in fight, to try to conquer; hence to attack, assault, assail.
    havec1400–
    
    intransitive. With at. To go at, esp. aggressively or forcefully; to tackle or attack; (also) to make an attempt at, ‘have a go at’. In early use…
    aset1413
    
    ? To set upon, beset.
    attachc1425–1666
    
    transitive. To attack; spec. to take military action against. Also: to join or enter (a battle). Cf. attack, v. 1a. Obsolete.
    to set at ——c1430–
    
    To assail, attack. (Cf. to set about —— 2 at phrasal verbs 2, to set against —— 1 at phrasal verbs 1, to set into —— at phrasal verbs PV.1.)
    fraya1440–1575
    
    transitive. To assault, attack, or make an attack upon; to attack and drive off; rarely to make a raid on (a place). Obsolete.
    fray1465–
    
    intransitive. To make a disturbance; to quarrel or fight. Also, to make an attack upon. to fray it out: to settle by fighting. Obsolete exc. archaic.
    oppugn?a1475–1860
    
    transitive. To fight against, attack, assail, assault, or besiege. Obsolete (rare in later use).
    sayc1475–1570
    
    transitive. To try the strength or mettle of in combat; (more generally) to attack, assault, assail. Cf. assay, v. II.14a. Obsolete.
    envaye1477–83
    
    transitive. To attack.
    pursue1488–1650
    
    transitive. Scottish. To attack, assail (a place); to besiege. Obsolete.
    envahisshe1489–1500
    
    transitive. To attack. Also absol.
    assaulta1500–
    
    To make a violent hostile attack by physical means upon (a person, army, etc.); to commit an unlawful or criminal assault upon the person of (see a…
    requirea1500
    
    transitive. To attack. Obsolete. rare.
    to lay to, untoa1500–1720
    
    absol. and intransitive. To deal blows; to make an attack. Chiefly in phraseological expressions with… to lay to, unto: to assault, attack, press…
    enterprise?1510–13
    
    transitive. To attack, subject to a military assault. Obsolete.
    invade1513–1753
    
    To make an attack upon (a person, etc.); to set upon or assault. literal and figurative. Obsolete.
    assemblec1515
    
    transitive. To encounter, attack, assail. Obsolete. rare.
    expugn1530–1657
    
    In weaker sense: To assault, attack, storm.
    to fall in1535–1793
    
    To rush in, esp. with hostile intent; to make an incursion or attack. Also figurative and in… With upon, on. Cf. to fall on —— 1 at phrasal verbs 1…
    to fare on1535
    
    In wider sense = go, v. to fare on: to rush upon, assault. Obsolete.
    to fall into ——1550–1715
    
    intransitive. To make a hostile incursion into or attack on (a place). Obsolete.
    mount1568–
    
    transitive. Military. To ascend (a breach) for the purpose of assault or attack. Now historical.
    attack?1576–
    
    transitive. To take aggressive military action against (a place, or enemy forces, equipment, etc.) with weapons or armed forces; to join battle…
    affront1579–1764
    
    transitive. To engage in battle; to attack, assault. Also figurative. Obsolete.
    invest1598–1653
    
    Military. transitive. To storm and capture (a ship, town, etc.). Obsolete.
    canvass1599
    
    To subject to attack or assault. Cf. canvass, n. 2. Obsolete.
    to take arms1604
    
    to take (up) arms: to arm oneself; to assume a hostile attitude either defensive or offensive; to prepare to fight; cf. to take on 3b at take, v.…
    attempt1605–
    
    transitive. To try to master, take by force, or overthrow; to attack, assail, assault. An enemy, fortress, etc. archaic.
    to make force at, to, upon1607–77
    
    to make force at, to, upon: to rush violently at, attack, assail. Obsolete.
    salute1609–
    
    ironically used for: To assail.
    offence1614
    
    transitive. = offend, v. Also intransitive.
    strikea1616–
    
    Military. To make an offensive blow, to attack. Const. with at. Also transitive to attack (in flank, etc.): cf. sense VII.68.
    to give a lift at1622–
    
    figurative. In various immaterial applications, e.g.: A ‘rise’ in station, prosperity, etc.; promotion; a rise in price; an act of helping, or a…
    to get at ——1650–
    
    intransitive. colloquial. To attack, assail; to make destructive inroads on.
    insult1697–
    
    transitive. To attack, assault, assail (now only figurative in general sense).
    to walk into ——1794–
    
    intransitive. To make a vigorous attack upon someone or something. Also in extended use. Now rare.
    to go in at1812–
    
    intransitive. colloquial. to go in at: to attack or assail vigorously. Now archaic and rare.
    to go for ——1838–
    
    intransitive. colloquial. To make an attack on, assault; to abuse verbally.
    to light on ——1842–
    
    intransitive. To attack (a person or animal) physically. Also: to launch a verbal attack on (a person).
    strafe1915–
    
    transitive. To attack with weapons. Now rare except as in sense 2b.
    View in Historical Thesaurus

Additional sense (2019)

1974–

With the and chiefly with capital initial. In the fictional universe of the Star Wars films: a mystical universal energy field which certain individuals, such as the Jedi (see Jedi n.), can harness to gain special powers or abilities. Also in extended use, and in allusions to dialogue from the Star Wars films, esp. may the Force be with you (used to wish someone good luck, courage, etc.).
1. 1974
  I know, Luke. I feel The Force also.
  G. Lucas, Star Wars (film script: rough draft) 14
2. 1977
  The psychobabblers not only outnumber the rest of us, but..they have The Force on their side.
  New York Times Magazine 20 November 124/4
3. 1995
  Goalkeepers appeared to use ‘The Force’ to an extent Luke Skywalker himself would have been proud of.
  Stornoway Gazette 13 July 11/8
4. 1999
  ‘The Force is strong in this one,’ Pat said.
  T. Parsons, Man & Boy (2000) i. 12
5. 2018
  Exam week day #2. Sending good energy to all our students! May the force be with you!
  @MedSciMenon 11 December in twitter.com (accessed 10 July 2019)
physics

Pronunciation

British English

/fɔːs/

forss

U.S. English

/fɔrs/

forss

Pronunciation keys

Frequency

force is one of the 500 most common words in modern written English. It is similar in frequency to words like early, economic, non, source, and therefore.

It typically occurs about 200 times per million words in modern written English.

force is in frequency band 7, which contains words occurring between 100 and 1,000 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency of force, n.¹, 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on a corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010. The Ngrams data has been cross-checked against frequency measures from other corpora, and re-analysed in order to handle homographs and other ambiguities.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

Decade	Frequency per million words
1750	220
1760	260
1770	250
1780	260
1790	220
1800	240
1810	220
1820	240
1830	220
1840	230
1850	240
1860	260
1870	250
1880	260
1890	260
1900	240
1910	240
1920	220
1930	220
1940	260
1950	260
1960	280
1970	250
1980	230
1990	210
2000	200
2010	200

Frequency of force, n.¹, 2017–2023

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Period	Frequency per million words
Oct.–Dec. 2017	160
Jan.–Mar. 2018	150
Apr.–June 2018	150
July–Sept. 2018	140
Oct.–Dec. 2018	130
Jan.–Mar. 2019	150
Apr.–June 2019	140
July–Sept. 2019	140
Oct.–Dec. 2019	150
Jan.–Mar. 2020	150
Apr.–June 2020	160
July–Sept. 2020	140
Oct.–Dec. 2020	140
Jan.–Mar. 2021	140
Apr.–June 2021	150
July–Sept. 2021	150
Oct.–Dec. 2021	130
Jan.–Mar. 2022	170
Apr.–June 2022	160
July–Sept. 2022	140
Oct.–Dec. 2022	140
Jan.–Mar. 2023	140

Compounds & derived words

Sort by

afforce, adv. c1380–1475

By force; (also) of necessity; perforce. Cf. of force at force, n.¹ III.19a.

forceness, n. c1400–1519

Force, strength, violence.

forceage, n. c1470

The action of forcing, compulsion.

need-force, n. & adv. c1485–1638

on (or in, of, upon) need force: perforce, on compulsion; of necessity.

forcy, adj. 1488–1586

Full of force, powerful, strong.

forcely, adj. & adv. ?a1500–35

Of strong build, vigorous.

forceless, adj. 1532–

Without force; devoid of force.

fickle-force, n. 1567

(See quot. 1567.)

forceful, adj. 1571–

Full of force, powerful, strong, vigorous.

armed forces, n. 1572–

(With plural agreement) armed soldiers or military personnel; (esp. with the) the combined military forces of a country; the army, navy, and air…

sea force, n. 1577–

counterforce, n. 1609–

A force acting in opposition to another; contrary, opposing, or resisting force.

field force, n. 1611–

land-force, n. 1614–

A force serving on land; a military as opposed to a naval force. Also plural the troops or soldiers composing such a force.

horse-forces, n. 1632–

forcive, adj. 1634–51

= forcible, adj.

militia force, n. 1643–

force-pump, n. 1659–

A pump employed to force water, etc. beyond the range of atmospheric pressure.

over-force, n. 1700–

vital force, n. 1702–

An immaterial force or principle viewed as present in and animating living things and sustaining their… In singular.

central force, n. 1704–

A force which drives a body towards or away from a fixed point or centre and whose magnitude varies only with distance from that point; (esp.) a…

physical force, n. 1716–

(a) An influence acting within the physical world, a force of nature; a mechanical force; (b) physical strength used to coerce, constrain, or…

naked force, n. 1725–

Unconcealed, ruthless force.

living force, n. 1728–

The operative force of a moving or acting body; = vis viva at vis, n.² 2c.

electric force, n. 1745–

The force with which electricity tends to move matter; the force acting between objects with opposite electric charges.

marine force, n. 1769–

restoring force, n. 1798–

A force that acts to return a perturbed system to equilibrium or to restore a deformed body to its original form; spec. such a force in an elastic…

police force, n. 1820–

turning force, n. 1822–

A force which causes a body to rotate; (also occasionally) a force produced by a rotating body; cf. torque, n. 1.

electromotive force, n. 1824–

The force (originally, that in a voltaic cell) which tends to make an electric current flow; the tendency to cause an electric current, as measured…

parallel forces, n. 1824–

Forces acting in parallel directions.

working force, n. 1826–

People engaged in or available for work in a particular area, industry, etc.; = workforce, n.

reasonable force, n. 1827–

The level of physical force deemed appropriate or justifiable by law in protecting oneself or one's family or property; (also) the level of force…

electromagnetic force, n. 1828–

The force exerted by an electric or magnetic field on a charged particle.

fundamental force, n. 1838–

(Originally) a force of which (all) other forces can be viewed as particular aspects or manifestations; (in later use) any of several forces in…

force-pipe, n. 1842–

The pipe of a force-pump in which the piston works.

labour force, n. 1844–

Workers considered collectively; (Economics) all the members of the population who are either in employment or seeking work; the total possible…

soul force, n. 1847–

Spiritual energy; a vital force conceived of as constituting, residing in, or emanating from the soul.

life force, n. 1848–

(a) Vital energy; a force that gives something its vitality or strength; cf. élan vital, n., will to live, n.; (b) the spirit which animates living…

detective force, n. 1849–

germ force, n. 1849–

A (supposed) force directing the organized growth and development of the embryo.

nerve force, n. 1850–

Power ascribed to nerves; neuroelectric activity; an instance of this.

nature force, n. 1853–

sun force, n. 1857–

Energy emanating from the sun in the form of heat, light, etc.; (also) a mechanical force or other influence ascribed to the sun.

mind-force, n. 1861–

pound-force, n. 1865–

A unit of force equal to the weight of a mass of one pound avoirdupois, esp. under standard gravity (when it is equivalent to approx. 4.45 newtons)…

breath force, n. 1866–

The strength of the breath when exhaled, esp. when producing a particular sound in speech, in playing a musical instrument, or singing.

psychic force, n. 1871–

Paranormal or supernatural energy, power, or influence; an instance of this.

occupation force, n. 1880–

polarization force, n. 1881–

striking force, n. 1881–

(a) The force with which a projectile strikes; (b) a military force held in readiness for sudden attack.

force-piece, n. 1882–

(See quot.).

forcite, n. 1883–

A variety of dynamite (see quot. 1889).

hurricane force, n. 1891–

force-out, n. 1896–

In Baseball, the obligatory retirement of a base runner at the base he or she is forced to run to by a following base runner.

muscle force, n. 1897–

The force or power of human agency; human strength.

stretching-force, n. 1900–

gale force, adj. & n. 1902–

kilogram force, n. 1905–

A unit of force equal to that exerted on a mass of 1 kilogram by standard gravity, equal to approx. 9.806 newtons.

force cup, n. 1907–

A rubber cup attached to a handle which by creating a vacuum in a blocked drain is used to clear it.

Territorial Force, n. 1908–

The name by which the Territorial Army was officially known from its institution in 1908 until 1920. See Territorial Army, n.

gram force, n. 1909–

A unit of force equal to the weight of a mass of 1 gram, esp. under standard gravity; also called gram and gram weight.

workforce, n. 1910–

With singular or plural agreement. People engaged in or available for work, either in a country or region or in a particular company or industry…

Active Citizen Force, n. 1911–

(Originally) a division of the Union Defence Forces; (in later use) a division of the reserve forces of the South African Defence Force.

air force, n. 1911–

A large force of military aircraft; a branch of a nation's armed forces concerned with carrying out military operations in the air. Cf. R.A.F., n…

force-feed, n. 1918–

A supply, esp. of lubricant, that is maintained under applied force or pressure. Usually attributive.

Royal Air Force, n. 1918–

The British air force; (also) the members of this organization considered collectively. Marshal of the Royal Air Force: see marshal, n. III.10.

blue force, n. 1920–

(Sometimes with capital initials) the uniformed branch of the police (cf. blue, adj. A.II.5a, B.7c, and blue boy, n.).

force field, n. 1920–

A field of force (see field, n.¹ II.15); esp. in Science Fiction, one that acts as an invisible barrier.

stick force, n. 1920–

The force or effort needed to move the control column of an aircraft or hold it in position (cf. stick, n.¹ II.11k).

reaction force, n. 1923–

(a) A force equal and opposite to a force giving rise to it; cf. reaction, n. 2b; (b) Military a military unit kept in a state of readiness for rapid…

nuclear force, n. 1924–

A force that acts between nucleons; (now) spec. the strong interaction.

taskforce, n. 1927–

Chiefly in form task force. A military unit, frequently comprising units drawn from more than one branch of a country's armed forces or from more…

ground force, n. 1929–

= land-force, n.; also attributive.

Coulomb force, n. 1930–

The electrostatic force of attraction or repulsion exerted by one charged particle upon another.

pursuit force, n. 1930–

air striking force, n. 1932–

A military force capable of carrying out air strikes.

space force, n. 1932–

(a) Science Fiction a large force of military spacecraft; (b) a branch of a nation's armed forces concerned with carrying out military operations in…

exchange force, n. 1934–

An assumed force between atomic particles responsible for the exchange of charges or other co-ordinates.

sales force, n. 1934–

Lorentz force, n. 1935–

The force exerted on a charged particle by a magnetic field (or a magnetic and an electric field).

wind-force, n. 1935–

Third Force, n. 1936–

A political party or parties standing between two extreme or opposing parties (formerly, esp. between the French Gaullists and Communists); also…

downforce, n. 1938–

A force that acts downwards, esp. on a moving vehicle; (Motor Racing) a force produced as air rushes over a car, which has the effect of increasing…

force-feed, v. 1938–

To feed by force; also figurative.

bomber force, n. 1940–

market forces, n. 1942–

With plural agreement. The economic factors affecting the price and availability of a commodity or product in a free market, esp. the forces of…

weekend Air Force, n. 1943–

A British auxiliary air force composed of civilian volunteers.

g-force, n. 1945–

A powerful acceleration or the force producing it; (also) the force (perceived as) acting as a result of an in the direction opposite to such an…

tensor force, n. 1947–

A force between two bodies that has to be expressed as a tensor rather than a vector, esp. a non-central force between subatomic particles.

special forces, n. 1951–

Armed forces that undertake covert, counterterrorist, or other unconventional operations.

third force, n. 1956–

= Third Force, n.

ounce-force, n. 1961–

A unit of force equal to the weight of a mass of one ounce, esp. under standard gravity; one-sixteenth of a pound-force.

strike force, n. 1961–

(a) A military force equipped to deliver a (nuclear) strike; (b) a police unit organized for rapid and effective action against crime.

ton-force, n. 1961–

A unit of force equal to the weight of a mass of one ton, esp. under standard gravity.

protonmotive force, n. 1966–

A force, analogous to the electromotive force, which acts on the proton gradient between the two sides of a cell membrane and is equal to the sum of…

force protection, n. 1969–

The safeguarding of personnel or installations against attack, esp. as a strategic principle.

colour force, n. 1977–

The force that acts between quarks and between gluons by virtue of their colour (colour, n.¹ IV.24); the strong force.

magnum force, n. 1977–

(a) (attributive) designating a weapon having magnum capacity; (b) exceptional force, strength, size, etc.; the maximum.

spearhead forces, n. 1978–

superforce, n. 1982–

A single force of which electromagnetism, the weak force, the strong force, and (usually) gravity are regarded as different manifestations.

heat-force, n.

striking force, n.

Personal account

forcenoun1

Quotations

In other dictionaries

Factsheet

What does the noun force mean?

Entry status

How common is the noun force?

How is the noun force pronounced?

British English

U.S. English

Where does the noun force come from?

Nearby entries

Etymology

Summary

Meaning & use

Contents

Quotations

In other dictionaries

Additional sense (2019)

Pronunciation

British English

U.S. English

Pronunciation keys

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

Consonants

Vowels

Forms

Variant forms

Frequency

Frequency of force, n.¹, 1750–2010

Frequency of force, n.¹, 2017–2023

Compounds & derived words

Quotations

In other dictionaries

Factsheet

What does the noun force mean?

Entry status

How common is the noun force?

How is the noun force pronounced?

British English

U.S. English

Where does the noun force come from?

Nearby entries

Etymology

Summary

Meaning & use

Contents

Quotations

In other dictionaries

Additional sense (2019)

Pronunciation

British English

U.S. English

Pronunciation keys

British English

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

U.S. English

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

Simple Text Respell

Consonants

Vowels

Forms

Variant forms

Frequency

Frequency of force, n.¹, 1750–2010

Frequency of force, n.¹, 2017–2023

Compounds & derived words