force

force · noun¹

1. Proto-Indo-European · derived from*bʰerǵʰ-“to rise, high, hill”
2. Latin · derived fromfortis“strong”
3. Late Latin · derived fromfortia
4. Old French · derived fromforce
5. Middle English · inherited fromforce
6. English todayforce

From Middle English force, fors, forse, from Old French force, from Late Latin fortia, a noun derived from the neuter plural of Latin fortis (“strong”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerǵʰ- (“to rise, high, hill”).

force · verb²

1. Latin · derived fromfortia
2. Late Latin · derived from*fortiāre
3. Old French · derived fromforcier
4. Middle English · inherited fromforcen
5. English todayforce

From Middle English forcen, from Old French forcier, from Late Latin *fortiāre, from Latin fortia.

force · noun³

1. Proto-Germanic · derived from*fursaz“waterfall”
2. Old Norse · derived fromfors“waterfall”
3. Middle English · inherited fromforce
4. English todayforce

From Middle English force, forz, fors, from Old Norse fors (“waterfall”), from Proto-Germanic *fursaz (“waterfall”). Cognate with Icelandic foss (“waterfall”), Norwegian foss (“waterfall”), Swedish fors (“waterfall”). Doublet of foss.

force · verb⁴

1. Middle English · inherited fromforcen
2. English todayforce

From Middle English forcen, forsen, a use of force, with confusion of farce (“to stuff”).

Force · proper noun⁵

1. Old Norse · derived fromfors
2. English todayForce

From Old Norse fors or foss (“waterfall”).

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• 1977 A metaphysical and ubiquitous power from the fictional Star Wars universe created by George Lucas. See usage note.
• from 15ᵗʰc. To make someone or something do something, often regardless of their will.
• from 16ᵗʰc. To constrain by force; to overcome the limitations or resistance of.
• from 16ᵗʰc. To drive (something) by force, to propel (generally + prepositional phrase or adverb).
• from 16ᵗʰc. To cause to occur (despite inertia, resistance etc.); to produce through force.
• from 17ᵗʰc. To forcibly open (a door, lock etc.).
• from 14ᵗʰc. To violate (a woman); to rape.
• from 14ᵗʰc. To exert oneself, to do one's utmost.