centrifugal force

American  

noun

1. an outward force on a body rotating about an axis, assumed equal and opposite to the centripetal force and postulated to account for the phenomena seen by an observer in the rotating body.

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centrifugal force British  

noun

1. a fictitious force that can be thought of as acting outwards on any body that rotates or moves along a curved path

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centrifugal force Scientific  

1. An effect that seems to cause an object moving in a curve to be pushed away from the curve's center. Centrifugal force is not a true force but is actually the effect of inertia, in that the moving object's natural tendency is to move in a straight line.

2. See Note at centripetal force

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centrifugal force Cultural  

1. A force that tends to move objects away from the center in a system undergoing circular motion. Centrifugal force keeps the water in a whirling bucket from spilling or throws a rider in a car against the door when the car goes around a sharp curve. Centrifugal force is actually a form of inertia.

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Etymology

Origin of centrifugal force

First recorded in 1715–25

Compare meaning

How does centrifugal-force compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• centripetal vs. centrifugal force
• centripetal force vs. centrifugal force

Example Sentences

“The cable is holding you up and simulating centrifugal force on the corner,” Corby said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

As an earthbound motorcyclist speeds around the cylinder, their inertia pushes them into the wall, creating an outward centrifugal force.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 30, 2024

They spin so fast that they approach "critical velocity" or the point where they would otherwise blast apart due to centrifugal force overpowering the star's gravity.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2023

The music seemed to levitate with the centrifugal force of rampaging bongos.

From New York Times • Nov. 3, 2023

According to Newton’s theory, the centrifugal force of the Earth’s spin should result in a slight flattening at the poles and a bulging at the equator, which would make the planet slightly oblate.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson