force field

[ fawrs feeld ]

noun

1. Physics. a field of any type of energy, such as gravitational, magnetic, or electric, that surrounds and affects something:

   Figure 2 shows the electrical force fields surrounding the positive and negative charges that produce them.

2. Chemistry. a method of calculating the amount of potential energy acting between particles, atoms, or molecules.
3. (in fantasy and science fiction) a space around a planet, spacecraft, etc., in which some kind of energy or special power operates as a barrier:

   The island is surrounded by a magical force field that keeps the villains safely locked up and away from the mainland.

4. a particularly intense emotional or spiritual energy, charisma, aura, vibe, etc., that has the effect either of drawing others closer or of keeping them away:

   It’s not always safe to self-reveal—I know when I can let down my guard, and when I need to have the force field up.

   The eyes of the ancient statue glittered with an unsettling intelligence and grace, and I was captured by the force field of a powerful presence.

Word History and Origins

Origin of force field¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

But few relationships seem as unlikely as the intense bond that has developed between Cohen and O’Donnell, two Long Island natives of the same generation who were pulled into Trump’s force field in vastly different ways years ago, and who connected as they surveyed the damage afterward.

From Seattle Times

Most people who make scenes and unsubtly threaten court staff would find themselves cooling off in jail for contempt, but the judge backed off in the face of the force field of rich white boy protection that has surrounded Trump his whole life.

From Salon

Reactive force field models are relatively common, but they usually require training for specific reaction types.

From Science Daily

The safe and inexpensive MMR shot acts kind of like a force field against other infections, too.

From Seattle Times

“It was like bursting out of a force field,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times