forcible

adjective

forc·​ible ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

1

: effected by force used against opposition or resistance

2

: characterized by force, efficiency, or energy : powerful

forcibleness noun

forcibly

ˈfȯr-sə-blē 

adverb

Examples of forcible in a Sentence

the forcible removal of the rioters

Recent Examples on the Web

Pratt, who was arrested June 19 in Berkeley, is charged with two counts of forcible rape. —Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 1 July 2024

As of late May, an additional 45,000 Rohingya had fled a new surge of violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state (40,000 were already in India), including reports of beheadings, mass arson, and forcible conscription into Myanmar’s government forces. —Rasheed Ahmed, TIME, 29 June 2024

Wright was arrested last week in Rock Hill, S.C., and charged with first degree murder and first degree forcible rape. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2024

As a result of the forcible arrest, Rodriguez was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. —Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forcible

• forcible entry

Kids Definition

forcible

adjective

forc·​i·​ble

ˈfōr-sə-bəl,

ˈfȯr-

1

: got, made, or done by force or violence

a forcible entrance

2

: forceful

forcibly

-blē

adverb

Legal Definition

forcible

adjective

for·​ci·​ble ˈfȯr-sə-bəl 

: effected by force or threat of force used against opposition or resistance

a forcible felony

forcibly adverb