0 physical, especially violent, strength, or power: --
1 (a person or thing with a lot of) influence and energy: --
2 a group of people organized and trained, especially for a particular purpose: --
3 (of laws, rules, or systems) existing and being used: --
New driving regulations are going to come into force this year.
4 to make something happen or make someone do something difficult, unpleasant, or unusual, especially by threatening or not offering the possibility of choice: --
If the management wouldn't listen to their demands, they would have to force the issue by striking.
forced strawberries
You never tell me how you're feeling - I have to force it out of you (= make you tell me)!
I couldn't stay at their flat - I'd feel as if I was forcing myself on them (= making them allow me to stay).
I didn't actually want any more dessert, but Julia forced it on me (= made me accept it).
You could tell he was having to force back the tears (= stop himself from crying).
Hospitals are being forced to close departments because of lack of money.
[ + to infinitive ] You can't force her to make a decision.
[ + to infinitive ] I really have to force myself to be nice to him.
5 to use physical strength or effort to make something move or open: --
Pieces of stone can be split off by forcing wedges between the layers.
The thieves forced one of the shop windows open with a crowbar.
The crowd managed to force its way in by sheer weight of numbers.
Doctors are being forced to work impossibly long hours.
The recession is forcing the company to rationalize.