01 a. Possessing force; characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential.
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1.
Possessing force; characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential.“How forcible are right words!” — Job. vi. 2�.“Sweet smells are most forcible in dry substances, when broken.” — Bacon.“But I have reasons strong and forcible.” — Shak.“That punishment which hath been sometimes forcible to bridle sin.” — Hooker.“He is at once elegant and sublime, forcible and ornamented.” — Lowth (Transl. )
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2.
Violent; impetuous.“Like mingled streams, more forcible when joined.” — Prior.
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3.
Using force against opposition or resistance; obtained by compulsion; effected by force; as, forcible entry or abduction.“In embraces of King James . . . forcible and unjust.” — Swift.
Phrases & compounds
Forcible entry and detainer —
the entering upon and taking and withholding of land and tenements by actual force and violence, and with a strong hand, to the hindrance of the person having the right to enter.
Syn.
Violent; powerful; strong; energetic; mighty; potent; weighty; impressive; cogent; influential.