force field

American  

[fawrs feeld] / ˈfɔrs ˌfild /

noun

1. Physics. a field of any type of energy, such as gravitational, magnetic, or electric, that surrounds and affects something.

   Figure 2 shows the electrical force fields surrounding the positive and negative charges that produce them.

2. Chemistry. a method of calculating the amount of potential energy acting between particles, atoms, or molecules.

3. (in fantasy and science fiction) a space around a planet, spacecraft, etc., in which some kind of energy or special power operates as a barrier.

   The island is surrounded by a magical force field that keeps the villains safely locked up and away from the mainland.

4. a particularly intense emotional or spiritual energy, charisma, aura, vibe, etc., that has the effect either of drawing others closer or of keeping them away.

   It’s not always safe to self-reveal—I know when I can let down my guard, and when I need to have the force field up.

   The eyes of the ancient statue glittered with an unsettling intelligence and grace, and I was captured by the force field of a powerful presence.

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Etymology

Origin of force field

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Instead, the player nicknamed “The Alien” puts a force field around the basket—making would-be attackers turn tail and run away.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

“Everything started getting covered in a thick veil. It was like there was a force field around him that I couldn’t get through,” she explained.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 2, 2026

Choi — known best as the creator of the gourmet Korean-Mexican taco truck Kogi and for his turn on “The Chef Show” with Jon Favreau — calls it a kind of force field.

From Salon • May 19, 2025

There appears to be a protective force field around the game in this country.

From BBC • Aug. 4, 2023

Anger sends out a strange energy, like a force field in a science fiction movie.

From "Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story" by Nora Raleigh Baskin