English Reference
adverb

forcibly

adv.
US /ˈfɔɹsəbɫi/ UK /fˈɔːsəbli/ forcibly

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    using physical strength to move someone or something, often against their will.

    by the use of physical power or violence, typically to compel someone to move or act against their wishes.

    Simple

    The protesters were forcibly removed from the building by the security guards.

    In context

    The authorities were criticized for forcibly relocating the villagers without providing adequate compensation or alternative housing options.

    compulsorilyviolentlyby force
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    in a way that is very strong, clear, and convincing.

    in a manner that carries great conviction or produces a powerful mental effect.

    Simple

    The speaker's words struck me forcibly, making me rethink my entire opinion.

    In context

    The report struck me forcibly as a masterpiece of investigative journalism, highlighting systemic failures that had long been ignored by the public.

Usage forcibly displaced

Only when war between the United States and Japan broke out the next year were Japanese schools in Hawaii forcibly closed.

JSTOR Daily· 21 Aug 2026

Last week, Human Rights Watch said six staff members of a local organisation working on women’s and children’s rights had been “forcibly disappeared” for more than a month.

Al Jazeera· 21 Aug 2026

From Middle English forceably, equivalent to forcible + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English forceably
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated