| source : web1913 | Forcible \For"ci*ble\, a. [Cf. OF. forcible forcible, forceable that may be forced.] 1. Possessing force; characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential. How forcible are right words! --Job. vi. 2?. Sweet smells are most forcible in dry substances, when broken. --Bacon. But I have reasons strong and forcible. --Shak. That punishment which hath been sometimes forcible to bridle sin. --Hooker. He is at once elegant and sublime, forcible and ornamented. --Lowth (Transl. ) 2. Violent; impetuous. Like mingled streams, more forcible when joined. --Prior. 3. Using force against opposition or resistance; obtained by compulsion; effected by force; as, forcible entry or abduction. In embraces of King James . . . forcible and unjust. --Swift. {Forcible entry and detainer} (Law), the entering upon and taking and withholding of land and tenements by actual force and violence, and with a strong hand, to the hindrance of the person having the right to enter. Syn: Violent; powerful; strong; energetic; mighty; potent; weighty; impressive; cogent; influential. | source : wn | forcible adj : impelled by physical force especially against resistance; "forcible entry"; "a real cop would get physical"; "strong-arm tactics" [syn: {physical}, {strong-arm}]