forcible

Adjective
US[fawr-suh-buhl]/ˈfɔrsəbəl/3 syllables

Open English WordNet

Adjective (1)

  1. impelled by physical force especially against resistance“forcible entry”“a real cop would get physical”“strong-arm tactics”Synonyms: physicalstrong-armOpposite forcelessSimilar forceful
Word of the day · Oct 15About this word
exemplaryadjective

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

For′ci·ble adjective

Origin: Cf. OF. forcible forcible, forceable that may be forced.

1. Possessing force; characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential.

How forcible are right words!— Job. vi. 2….
Sweet smells are most forcible in dry substances, when broken.— Francis, Baron Verulam Bacon
But I have reasons strong and forcible.— William Shakespeare
That punishment which hath been sometimes forcible to bridle sin.— Richard Hooker
He is at once elegant and sublime, forcible and ornamented.— Lowth (Transl. )

2. Violent; impetuous.

Like mingled streams, more forcible when joined.— Matthew Prior

3. Using force against opposition or resistance; obtained by compulsion; effected by force; as, forcible entry or abduction.

In embraces of King James... forcible and unjust.— Jonathan Swift

Forcible entry and detainer Law, the entering upon and taking and withholding of land and tenements by actual force and violence, and with a strong hand, to the hindrance of the person having the right to enter.

Synonyms: Violent; powerful; strong; energetic; mighty; potent; weighty; impressive; cogent; influential.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

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