forcible

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   impelled by physical force especially against resistance

   Forcible entry.

2. 2
   adj

   Done by force, forced.

   I fled; but he pursued (though more, it seems, / Inflamed with lust than rage), and, swifter far, / Me overtook, his mother, all dismayed, / And, in embraces forcible and foul / Engendering with me, of that rape begot / These yelling monsters, that with ceaseless cry / Surround me, as thou saw'st—.

3. 3
   adj

   Having (physical) force, forceful.

   […] he drew her to him, laid a forcible detaining arm about her waist, and misapprehended her frantic revolt for an exhibition of maidenly reluctance.

4. 4
   adj

   Having a powerful effect; forceful, telling, strong, convincing, effective.

   But that which hath been once most sufficient, may wax otherwise by alteration of time and place; that punishment which hath been sometimes forcible to bridle sin, may grow afterwards too weak and feebled.

From Middle English forcible, forsable, from Old French forcible, from forcier (“to conquer by force”), equivalent to force + -ible.

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