adjective

forcible

FOR-suh-bul/ˈfɔːrsəbl/

Done using physical force or against resistance.

The broken door shows clear signs of forcible entry.

A woman forces a locked wooden door open with a crowbar; the visibly splitting wood around the still-engaged latch makes physical power overcoming resistance explicit.

Etymology

forcibleOld Frenchstrong, powerful, mighty

Old French forcible meant “strong, powerful, mighty” and came from a verb meaning “conquer by violence.” The selected English sense focuses on physical power used to carry out an action or overcome resistance.

In context

Vivid Audio Library61:27

would, Clare. I should like to please you, but I have a most imperative appointment. That is, I promised. I must go. I shall see you again." Mrs. Doria took forcible possession of him.

The Ordeal of Richard Feverel by George Meredith (Part 2) | Full Classic Victorian Novel Audiobook

More examples

Officers use forcible restraint when the suspect tries to escape.
The residents protest their forcible removal from the building.
The report describes the forcible seizure of private land.

Forms

forcible

forcibly adverb — By physical force or against resistance.

Similar words

forced: Emphasizes lack of choice rather than the physical method.
coercive: Can involve threats or pressure rather than physical force.