ENGLISH
REFERENCE

forcibly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɔɹsəbɫi// UK //fˈɔːsəbli// forcibly

adv. using physical power or strength to make something happen. You use this when someone is made to do something against their will.

adv. by the use of physical power or violence; in a manner that involves coercion or compulsion.


SIMPLE

The police forcibly removed the protesters from the building.

CONTEXTUAL

After the engine failed, the pilot was forcibly reminded of the importance of regular maintenance checks.

COMPLEX

The refugees were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands during the conflict, leading to a protracted humanitarian crisis that drew international condemnation.

Origin

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

Usage

Typically modifies verbs of movement, removal, or persuasion; can also be used figuratively to mean 'with great force or conviction'.

Pitfall

He was forcefully removed from the room.He was forcibly removed from the room.While 'forcefully' means with great energy or determination, 'forcibly' specifically implies the use of physical force or legal compulsion against someone's will.

© 2026 English Reference