forcibly

[fawr-suh-blee]

adverb

1. using power or strength, especially violent physical power.

   A man leapt onto the platform, shouting and waving an umbrella, and security guards had to forcibly remove him.

   The organization continues to provide safe asylum and protection to forcibly displaced people around the world.

2. strongly or convincingly.

   With this particularly active hurricane season, coastal communities are being forcibly reminded of their vulnerability.

   The writer argues, very forcibly, that a cyber war will not take place.

Other Word Forms

• unforcibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of forcibly¹

forcib(le) ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Police could be seen forcibly dispersing the crowd and arresting some people.

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He later claimed the girl was taken forcibly by Sasquatch, who was never brought in for questioning.

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Georgian Dream alleges the opposition has "systematically attempted to overthrow or forcibly change Georgia's constitutional order" and "supported foreign forces" in undermining the country's independence.

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The insurgents forcibly emptied an emergency camp that had sheltered about half a million displaced people.

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Chrissie, from Surrey, said she was reunited with her sister Jennifer, who was forcibly put up for adoption, after 74 years.

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Related Words

• effectively