force back
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- cause to move back by force or influence
- repel the enemy
- push back the urge to smoke
- beat back the invaders