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

In 2005, then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, a hard-liner, ordered the withdrawal of Israeli military troops from Gaza and the forcible relocation of around 8,500 Jewish settlers. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 6 June 2024

Weinberg, 63, was later charged with several counts of forcible rape and assault of five women between 2014 and 2019, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced in October 2022. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024

Eduardo Sarabia was charged Wednesday with one count of forcible rape and one count of forcible oral copulation, according to court records. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2024

Lench sentenced him to eight years for forcible rape, six years for forcible oral copulation and two years for forcible penetration with a foreign object. —Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 10 May 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