blunt force

American  

[bluhnt fawrs] / ˈblʌnt ˈfɔrs /

noun

1. the force of an impact to the body, such as from a collision, weapon, etc., that does not penetrate beneath the skin but may nonetheless cause serious internal or surface injury.

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Example Sentences

America has to find a way to restart diplomacy, using soft power and persuasion more often than the blunt force of tariffs or threat of conflict with key partners.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

There were no signs of forced entry, no obvious signs of blunt force trauma and no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, sheriff’s officials revealed in court records.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

Some people are not just living with loss but also trying to create or experience something meaningful, to counter the blunt force of the ache.

From New York Times • May 25, 2024

He added that workers would struggle to bridge the joints in the planes' mechanisms, and would sometimes use blunt force.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2024

This is why Mom used to add “bike helmet” to the storm list when she was little—a mattress over the bathtub only protects so far from blunt force trauma.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith