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

He had previously been charged with three counts of forcible rape of a child and three counts of aggravated rape of a child. —Greg Wehner, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025

Weeks later, detectives arrested Thompson on a count of forcible rape on Jan. 15, police said. —Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 23 Jan. 2025

These two penalties, both 15 yards, loomed large in a game that the Texans lost 23-14. Referee Clay Martin, explaining the roughing the passer call to pool reporter Aaron Wilson, stated that Anderson's hit involved forcible contact to Mahomes' facemask, which justified the penalty. —David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025

Leading with helmet, shoulder, forearm, fist, hand or elbow to attack with forcible contact at the head or neck area. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

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