Spanish Conversation · Level 41
75 words
Spanish word
forzar
Pronunciation
IPA/foɾˈθaɾ/
Meaning
- verbforce
Example
No puedes forzar a alguien a decir la verdad.
You can't force someone to tell the truth.
More examples
Tuve que forzar la puerta para entrar.
I had to force open the door to get in.
Core concept
Exerting force or effort so someone or something gives in.
Common phrases
forzar a alguien
force someone
forzar la puerta
force open the door
Similar words
obligar: Creates an obligation so someone must perform the action.
presionar: Applies verbal or social pressure to urge someone to act.
imponer: Imposes one's will or conditions and requires others to accept them.
empujar: Pushes a person or object forward using physical force.
Definition in Spanish
Hacer que alguien o algo ceda mediante coacción o fuerza; también, ejercer esfuerzo para conseguir algo difícil.
Word origin
Derived from Old French forcer and ultimately from Latin fortis meaning strong, with the verb covering making someone yield and exerting strenuous effort.
Usage tips
- When talking about making oneself do something, Spanish uses the reflexive forzarse a + infinitive, which signals self-compulsion rather than ordinary effort.