force field

American  

[fawrs feeld] / ˈfɔrs ˌfild /

noun

1. Physics. a field of any type of energy, such as gravitational, magnetic, or electric, that surrounds and affects something.

   Figure 2 shows the electrical force fields surrounding the positive and negative charges that produce them.

2. Chemistry. a method of calculating the amount of potential energy acting between particles, atoms, or molecules.

3. (in fantasy and science fiction) a space around a planet, spacecraft, etc., in which some kind of energy or special power operates as a barrier.

   The island is surrounded by a magical force field that keeps the villains safely locked up and away from the mainland.

4. a particularly intense emotional or spiritual energy, charisma, aura, vibe, etc., that has the effect either of drawing others closer or of keeping them away.

   It’s not always safe to self-reveal—I know when I can let down my guard, and when I need to have the force field up.

   The eyes of the ancient statue glittered with an unsettling intelligence and grace, and I was captured by the force field of a powerful presence.

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Etymology

Origin of force field

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

As the only Air Force field unit that is fully operational, the team at Travis is receiving requests from other parts of the service.

From Fox News • Aug. 19, 2019

Beyond Hollywood China’s own Force field was fully operational this weekend, with the blackout on new Hollywood releases currently in effect.

From The Guardian • Dec. 22, 2015

Army Air Force field in Bengal gave him an idea.

From Time Magazine Archive

For an invader once established, Halifax is only 369 mi. from Boston, has a Royal Canadian Air Force field at Dartmouth from which land-based aircraft could operate.

From Time Magazine Archive

During the next week, scouting flights from the Eighth Air Force field and from other fields near by were made on a pattern.

From A Yankee Flier Over Berlin by Laune, Paul