forcible

Definitions

forc ('force') + -ible = able to be done by force, done forcibly. In modern use forcible nearly always describes physical/legal force applied to overcome resistance — forcible entry, forcible removal — and is more about actual force than the assertive 'forceful.'

Common Collocations

• 1.forcible entry强行闯入
• 2.forcible removal强制驱离
• 3.forcible detention强制拘留

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The police were accused of the forcible removal of protesters.

• 2.

  There were signs of forcible entry at the back door.

Easily Confused

forcible vs forceful — forcible = done by actual physical/legal force (forcible entry breaks a lock). forceful = strong and assertive in manner (a forceful speech persuades). A forcible eviction uses muscle; a forceful argument uses conviction.