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forcible - 4 dictionary results

for⋅ci⋅ble

  [fawr-suh-buhl, fohr-]
Use forcible in a Sentence
–adjective
1. done or effected by force: forcible entry into a house.
2. producing a powerful effect; having force; effective.
3. convincing, as reasoning: a forcible theory.
4. characterized by the use of force or violence.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < MF; see force, -ible

Related forms:
for⋅ci⋅ble⋅ness, for⋅ci⋅bil⋅i⋅ty, noun
for⋅ci⋅bly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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forc·i·ble   (fôr'sə-bəl, fōr'-)   
adj.  
  1. Effected against resistance through the use of force: The police used forcible restraint in order to subdue the assailant.
  2. Characterized by force; powerful.
forc'i·ble·ness n., forc'i·bly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Forcible

For"ci*ble\, a. [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. --Bacon.

But I have reasons strong and forcible. --Shak.

That punishment which hath been sometimes forcible to bridle sin. --Hooker.

He is at once elegant and sublime, forcible and ornamented. --Lowth (Transl. )

2. Violent; impetuous.

Like mingled streams, more forcible when joined. --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. --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.

Syn: Violent; powerful; strong; energetic; mighty; potent; weighty; impressive; cogent; influential.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Main Entry: for·ci·ble
Pronunciation: 'for-s&-b&l
Function: adjective
: effected by force or threat of force used against opposition or resistance forcible felony> —for·ci·bly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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