Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cause to move back or away by applying physical strength, pressure, or influence: This action involves making something or someone retreat or withdraw from a position or area.
   • To repulse or drive back an advance, attack, or intrusion: Often used in contexts involving conflict, defense, or resisting an undesirable force.

Usage

The verb "force back" is transitive and requires a direct object (the thing being pushed away). It is commonly used in both literal physical contexts and more figurative ones involving resisting impulses or influences. It often implies a successful defensive or resistive action.

Examples

• Literal Physical Action:
  • The firefighters forced back the flames with powerful hoses.
  • The defenders managed to force back the initial assault.
• Figurative Resistance:
  • She forced back her tears during the sad speech.
  • He had to force back a feeling of panic.

Advanced Usage

• Military/Conflict Context: Frequently used to describe tactical defensive maneuvers.
  • The general ordered his troops to force back the enemy lines.
• Emotional/Internal Struggle: Used to describe suppressing a strong emotion or reaction.
  • He forced back the angry retort that came to his lips.

Variants and Related Words

• Repel (verb): To drive or force back; to cause aversion. Often used interchangeably in conflict contexts.
• Push back (phrasal verb): To resist or oppose; can be a close synonym.
• Beat back (phrasal verb): To drive back by fighting or effort. A strong synonym, especially for military contexts.
• Drive back (verb): To compel to retire or retreat.

Synonyms

• Repulse
• Thrust back
• Drive back
• Beat back
• Hold off

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Push back: While similar, "push back" can also mean to postpone or to express opposition to an idea, not just physical force.
  • The community pushed back against the new development plans.
• Fight off: To defend oneself against and force away an attacker.
  • She fought off her assailant.

Related Idioms

• Hold the line: To maintain a position against an attack or pressure, related to the concept of forcing back an advance.
  • Our job is to hold the line and force back any further incursions.

Verb

1. cause to move back by force or influence
   • repel the enemy
   • push back the urge to smoke
   • beat back the invaders