Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.

Etymology

Origin of force field

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“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

"It feels empowering and like a real force field around my little corner of the internet," the 32-year-old said.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

You said that while doing that solo dance, you felt a force field of love surrounding you from the cast and crew.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2024

Reactive force field models are relatively common, but they usually require training for specific reaction types.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2024

I lower my shoulder, shoot through the force field, and barrel into the creature with all my body’s strength— just as Dad taught me when he tried and failed to teach me football.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.