in force
Idioms-
In full strength, in large numbers, as in Demonstrators were out in force . This usage originally alluded to a large military force. [Early 1300s]
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Operative, binding, as in This rule is no longer in force . This usage originally alluded to the binding power of a law. [Late 1400s]
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.
The Greeks had the advantage in force but the Persians could block their passage, harass them or leave them bereft of food.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
Any spell of sunny, settled weather will bring blue-green algae out in force, although the blooms have felt a little slow to start this year.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
Hosepipe bans are in force for millions of customers.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
Although the deal remains in force for the next decade, the move could reopen big parts of it to renegotiation.
From Slate ● Jul. 21, 2026
Mosquitoes had been out in force for a while, but after the sun died they were chased into hiding by the suddenly crisp darkness.
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
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.
