force field
Americannoun
-
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.
-
Chemistry. a method of calculating the amount of potential energy acting between particles, atoms, or molecules.
-
(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.
-
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.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
A company called Bear Busters said it has installed wiring—an electric force field that delivers a shock—for about 6,000 properties so far.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
“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 ● Feb. 2, 2026
There appears to be a protective force field around the game in this country.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2023
“Entering the jump-point perimeter,” Rambeau says as she floats through outer space toward an ominous force field — exhibiting the same fearlessness that landed her in trouble and imbued her with powers in “WandaVision.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 11, 2023
Here’s what comes to mind: It’s like Russ has created a force field of weirdness around himself, but as that sounds like crazy talk, I keep my mouth shut.
From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick
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.
