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Operative, binding, as in This rule is no longer in force .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.
Shepard said the "significant reduction in force" was not based on employee performance.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
Other U.S. installations in Germany, including Spangdahlem Air Base and the command headquarters in Stuttgart, play supporting roles in force deployment and strategic planning.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
She blames this, in part, on a reduction in force at the Department of Education.
From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026
Wary of winds on Saturday morning, firefighters responded in force.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026
We conducted roach massacres in the kitchen at night, because that was when they came out in force.
From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
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.
