force back

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Word: Force Back

Definition:
"Force back" is a verb phrase that means to make someone or something move backward or to stop them from moving forward, usually by using strength or power. It can also mean to resist or push away an urge or desire.

Usage Instructions:

• "Force back" is often used in situations where there is a struggle or conflict.
• It can refer to physical actions (like pushing an enemy away) or emotional actions (like resisting a temptation).

Examples:

1. Physical Action:
   • "The soldiers had to force back the enemy during the battle."
2. Emotional Action:
   • "She tried to force back her tears when she heard the sad news."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or more formal writing, you might see "force back" used metaphorically.
  • "He had to force back his memories of a difficult childhood."

Word Variants:

• Forcing Back (gerund): "Forcing back his emotions was difficult."
• Forced Back (past tense): "They were forced back by the strong winds."

Different Meanings:

• While "force back" primarily refers to pushing something away, it can also imply resisting something internally, like emotions or desires.

Synonyms:

• Push back
• Repel
• Resist
• Drive back

Idioms & Related Phrasal Verbs:

• Push back: Similar in meaning, often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts (e.g., "We need to push back against bad ideas.").
• Beat back: This can mean to repel an attack or challenge (e.g., "They beat back the attackers successfully.").

Summary:

"Force back" is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, both literal and figurative.

Academic

Verb

1. cause to move back by force or influence
   • repel the enemy
   • push back the urge to smoke
   • beat back the invaders

Synonyms

• repel
• drive
• repulse
• push back
• beat back