force field
Americannoun
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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.
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Chemistry. a method of calculating the amount of potential energy acting between particles, atoms, or molecules.
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(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.
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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.
Etymology
Origin of force field
First recorded in 1910–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It feels empowering and like a real force field around my little corner of the internet," the 32-year-old said.
From BBC
The glyph glows a bright purple and creates a shimmering purple force field around me and Autumn.
From Literature
Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, has the ability to stretch his body to the extreme, while his partner, Sue — a.k.a. the Invisible Woman — is imperceptible and can manipulate force fields.
From Los Angeles Times
Even as De León backed the new law, he cautioned that he didn’t want to “mislead folks” into believing “a special force field” will protect them from deportation in Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles Times
You said that while doing that solo dance, you felt a force field of love surrounding you from the cast and crew.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.