# forcible

/ˈfɔɹsəbəɫ/ (US) · /fˈɔːsəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forcible
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

done by using physical force or violence. You use this to describe an action that happens against someone's will.

For teachers: done by or involving the use of physical force or violence. Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe the removal of a person or the taking of property.

## Examples

- The police made a forcible entry into the building.
- The government faced international criticism after the forcible removal of the protesters from the square.
- The legal team argued that the property was taken forcible and without due process, rendering the subsequent sale invalid under international law.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.