Force is a push or pull that can change the motion or shape of something. It can also mean power or strength used to make something happen, sometimes against resistance.
“Force” comes from Old French “force,” meaning “strength or power,” from Latin “fortis,” strong. It has long been used both in physical and social or military senses.
In physics, force has a precise meaning (something that causes acceleration), but in everyday speech, it becomes almost mystical: “the force of personality,” “the force of habit.” One small word stretches from equations to emotions.
‘Force’ in social contexts has often described coercion and violence, including gender-based violence and forced marriage, where women and girls were disproportionately targeted. Legal and medical discourse sometimes downplayed such force, masking gendered power dynamics.
When describing coercion, name the agent and affected group clearly (“men in power forced women workers to…”). Avoid metaphors that trivialize experiences of forced sex or domestic violence.
["compel","pressure","coerce","physical force","influence"]
In historical accounts, include women’s organizing and legal advocacy that challenged forced arrangements and expanded bodily autonomy.
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