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• force feed
  force feed

  noun

  lubrication under pressure, as from a pump, used especially in internal-combustion engines.
• force-feed
  force-feed

  verb (used with object)

  to compel to take food, especially by means of a tube inserted into the throat.

force feed

¹ American  

noun

1. lubrication under pressure, as from a pump, used especially in internal-combustion engines.

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force-feed ² American  

[fawrs-feed, fohrs-] / ˈfɔrsˈfid, ˈfoʊrs- /

verb (used with object)

force-fed, force-feeding

1. to compel to take food, especially by means of a tube inserted into the throat.

   They force-fed the prisoners in the hunger strike.

2. to compel to absorb or assimilate.

   The recruits were force-fed a military attitude.

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force-feed British  

verb

1. to force (a person or animal) to eat or swallow food

2. to force (someone) to receive opinions, propaganda, etc

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noun

1. a method of lubrication in which a pump forces oil into the bearings of an engine, etc

Etymology

Origin of force feed¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Origin of force-feed²

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Harden and Russell Westbrook played well, but Kawhi Leonard was such a non-factor in the first half that Lue had to order his players to force feed him in the third quarter.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2023

Limiting Patterson is hard, though, as the Falcons continue to force feed their breakout playmaker with so many touches that he’s tied for the sixth-most touchdowns from scrimmage.

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2021

Fangio said he’s certain his fiery first-round draft pick will use the letdown as kindling for a prosperous career, but he’s not going to force feed him the ball Sunday.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 31, 2020

Yeast also needs to consume sugar gradually—a production plant can’t force feed the cells at a faster clip.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2020

“You’ll have to force feed her—strong soup and eggs and cod liver oil.”

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck