by force

idiom

: using physical power
He took the purse from her by force.

Examples of by force in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Federal officials on July 25 said Jose de Jesus Ortega and Danielle Davila have been charged with assaulting a federal officer and conspiracy to prevent by force and intimidation a federal officer from discharging his duties. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 26 July 2025 Medical personnel attempted to treat her injuries, but she was pronounced dead at 9:50 a.m. The landlord, who lived in the upper unit of the duplex, told police that his assailant had entered the unit by force before shooting him several times. Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 10 July 2025 China’s Communist Party claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be taken by force if necessary. Will Ripley, CNN Money, 17 July 2025 The viewer is not granted access by force, but invited to witness with care. Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for by force

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20force. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!