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Operative, binding, as in This rule is no longer in force .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.
She enters the box with her bare feet, noting the way the sand flows around her toes yet supports her weight in observation of the rule that “every grain has to be in force balance.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026
EU efforts to cut reliance on external tech aren’t new: Brussels introduced the Chips Act, in force since 2023, in a bid to become more self-sufficient in the production of semiconductors.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
Amber heat-health alerts remain in force for parts of the Midlands and eastern England until at least Wednesday.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
In the recent past, institutional investors have often come out in force to buy U.S. debt when the 30-year Treasury yield has reached 5%.
From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026
Sanctions against South Africa remained in force and even increased.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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.
