in force
Idioms-
In full strength, in large numbers, as in Demonstrators were out in force . This usage originally alluded to a large military force. [Early 1300s]
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Operative, binding, as in This rule is no longer in force . This usage originally alluded to the binding power of a law. [Late 1400s]
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.
In force since 1970, the Nonproliferation Treaty has the widest adherence of any arms control agreement, with some 191 countries that are members.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 1, 2022
In force since 1970, the Nonproliferation Treaty known as the NPT has the widest adherence of any arms control agreement, with some 191 countries that are members.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 1, 2022
In force since 1970, the Nonproliferation Treaty has the widest adherence of any arms control agreement.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 31, 2022
In force for 2% years, the protocol would, among other things, ban deployment of ground-and sea-launched cruise missiles with ranges of more than 373 miles and mobile ICBMS.
From Time Magazine Archive
"In force, to take what they want by force?" asked the princess.
From The Sowers by Merriman, Henry Seton
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.
