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.

---

Etymology

Origin of force field

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Glory reached for him, and even Llewelyn tried to leap to grab him, but a force field shoved him back.

From Literature

Their ferocious love had surrounded him like a force field.

From Literature

“Everything started getting covered in a thick veil. It was like there was a force field around him that I couldn’t get through,” she explained.

From MarketWatch

"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