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

“It was a time of sweeping changes in the moral climate of our nation, and Morath uses popular music, chiefly ragtime, as the centrifugal force for sorting out the different phases.”

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2023

I’m that coin on its way down, screaming in the neck of the funnel, with nothing but my own kinetic energy and centrifugal force keeping me from dropping into darkness.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman