deforce

[ dih-fawrs, -fohrs ]

verb (used with object)

, Law.

, de·forced, de·forc·ing.

1. to withhold (property, especially land) by force or violence, as from the rightful owner.
2. to eject or evict by force.

deforce

/ dɪˈfɔːs /

verb

1. to withhold (property, esp land) wrongfully or by force from the rightful owner
2. to eject or keep forcibly from possession of property

Derived Forms

• deˈforcement, noun

Other Words From

• de·forcement noun
• de·forcer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deforce¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French deforcer, Old French de ( s ) forcier, equivalent to de ( s )- de- + forc ( i ) er to force

Word History and Origins

Origin of deforce¹

C13: from Anglo-French, from deforcer